South Carolina continued its dominance in the Palmetto State rivalry, defeating Clemson 65–37 on Tuesday night to extend its winning streak over the Tigers to 15 straight games. The Gamecocks had to fight through their first real test of the season, revealing both strengths and areas that still need refining.
Gamecocks Finally Face a Challenge
For the first time this season, South Carolina found itself in a game that wasn’t decided by halftime. After cruising past its first two opponents with ease, the Gamecocks needed a contest that would push them before heading west for a high-profile matchup against No. 10 Southern Cal.
“Clemson really forced us to adjust,” one analyst noted. “It wasn’t pretty, but it’s the kind of game that helps a young team grow.”
While Clemson isn’t on the same level as NC State—the team USC’s next opponent Southern Cal edged out in a 69–68 thriller—the Tigers did a solid job slowing the pace and taking away South Carolina’s usual offensive flow. The Gamecocks faced adversity for the first time this season and responded with poise in the fourth quarter, something head coach Dawn Staley will surely emphasize as a positive going forward.
Where Was Ta’Niya Latson?
Perhaps the biggest surprise of the night was how little South Carolina leaned on Ta’Niya Latson, its transfer star expected to provide instant offense. Latson finished with just eight shot attempts, only one of which came during the Gamecocks’ sluggish third quarter.
The offense stalled badly during that stretch, scoring just ten points while Clemson briefly made things interesting. Latson, known for her scoring bursts, seemed hesitant to take over.
The takeaway? The Gamecocks can’t afford for their top scorer to fade into the background in tough moments. “When things aren’t clicking, Latson has to be the spark,” one report summarized. “That’s what she was brought in to do.”
Agot Makeer Keeps Making Noise
Freshman forward Agot Makeer once again showed why she’s quickly earning Dawn Staley’s trust. Though her box score numbers—six points and four rebounds—weren’t eye-popping, her impact was undeniable.
Clemson repeatedly gave her space to shoot, and Makeer made them pay, going 2-for-3 from beyond the arc, including the momentum-shifting three-pointer early in the fourth quarter that sparked a decisive 10–0 South Carolina run.
Makeer also logged 19 minutes, the most of any Gamecock off the bench, underscoring the confidence Staley already has in the talented freshman.
Looking Ahead
South Carolina’s 15th straight win over Clemson wasn’t its prettiest, but it might have been its most important early-season test. The Gamecocks will now take those lessons into their upcoming top-10 showdown against Southern Cal, where sharper offense and more assertive play from their stars will be crucial.
