South Carolina Looks to Close Homestand Strong Against Arkansas
COLUMBIA, S.C. – No. 6 South Carolina is set to wrap up its three-game homestand Thursday night with a matchup against Arkansas at Colonial Life Arena, tipping off at 7 p.m.
Gamecocks Dominate Both Ends of the Floor
South Carolina has been an all-around force in SEC play, leading the conference in scoring defense (57.75 ppg), field goal percentage (.470), and field goal percentage defense (.344). The Gamecocks are also second in scoring (80.67 ppg), proving their ability to control games offensively and defensively.
A major factor in the Gamecocks’ success is their ability to own the paint. They rank fourth in the nation with 41.2 paint points per game, outscoring opponents by 14.5 points per game in that area.
Bench Powerhouse
Head coach Dawn Staley has emphasized depth all season, and it has paid off. South Carolina’s bench is the best in the country, averaging 41.6 points per game, which is nine points more than the second-place team. Three of the team’s top five scorers come off the bench, contributing 51.9% of the offense and pulling down 41.7% of the team’s rebounds (16.0 per game).
Key Players to Watch
- Joyce Edwards & MiLaysia Fulwiley – This dynamic hometown duo has led the team in scoring in each of the last nine games, including six matchups against ranked opponents. Fulwiley has been particularly impactful, averaging 13.4 points, 2.0 assists, and 2.8 steals over the last five games.
- Raven Johnson – A true floor general, she leads the SEC in assist-to-turnover ratio (3.64) and ranks 10th in steals per game (1.83).
- Chloe Kitts – A rebounding machine, she has seven double-digit rebounding games this season and ranks ninth in the SEC with 7.48 rebounds per game.
- Te-Hina Paopao – A sharpshooter from deep, she has hit 45.5% from three-point range in the last four games, including an impressive 6-of-11 in home matchups.
Dominance in the Arkansas Series
The Gamecocks hold a 27-18 all-time record against Arkansas, including a 20-4 mark under Dawn Staley. South Carolina has won nine straight in the series. Last season, they rolled to a 98-61 victory in Fayetteville, pulling away in the second quarter behind 60.6% shooting from the field.
Defensive Excellence
Staley has built South Carolina’s identity around elite defense. The Gamecocks rank sixth in the nation in field goal percentage defense (.349), holding SEC opponents to just 34.4% shooting—the best mark in the conference. Only six teams have managed to shoot 40% or better against South Carolina this season.
Nation’s Best Fan Base
South Carolina fans continue to set the standard for women’s college basketball attendance, leading the nation for 10 straight seasons. This year, the Gamecocks have already set a new single-season record with seven sellouts at Colonial Life Arena, including marquee matchups against Texas, LSU, and UConn. Their current 16,983 average attendance is the highest in the country.
Final Word
South Carolina has responded to losses in dominant fashion this season, winning their next games by an average of 39 points. With Dawn Staley at the helm, the Gamecocks are determined to stay atop the SEC standings and continue their pursuit of championship glory.
Tipoff: 7 p.m. ET
Where: Colonial Life Arena, Columbia, SC
TV: SEC Network
Radio: 107.5 FM (Columbia Area)
