South Carolina opened its season with a commanding 112–31 exhibition victory over Anderson on Friday night at Colonial Life Arena. The Gamecocks looked sharp and confident across all rotations, but a few standout performances and coaching decisions highlighted the night.
1. Bench Rotation Takes Shape
With Dawn Staley’s starting lineup already set, all eyes were on how she would manage the bench. Maddy McDaniel was the first substitute, taking over for Raven Johnson, followed by Agot Makeer, who came in for Ta’Niya Latson.
Adhel Tac and Ayla McDowell were next off the bench, with Maryam Dauda entering later for Joyce Edwards. Staley appeared to be experimenting with rotations based on game flow rather than a strict order.
“It looked like Coach wanted to get Joyce into a rhythm early,” one observer noted — a factor that explained Dauda’s late entry.
2. Madina Okot Shines as the Missing Frontcourt Piece
Anderson had just one player taller than six feet, offering little resistance to South Carolina’s interior dominance. Still, Madina Okot made the most of her opportunity.
Okot impressed on both ends of the floor — not just with size, but with skill and awareness. She showcased her versatility with a pull-up jumper, a fast-break finish, a crafty spin move in the paint, and a precision assist to Ta’Niya Latson — all in the first half.
Her complete performance continued after the break: 17 points, 15 rebounds, six blocks, and three steals.
“She wasn’t just the big we were missing last year — she was skilled, quick, and smart,” a staff member commented. “That simple ‘throw it to the big girl and let her score’ play was back — and it looked beautiful.”
Adhel Tac also contributed with seven points and eight rebounds, playing to her size and strength in limited minutes.
3. Freshman Agot Makeer Steals the Show
Even with limited competition, the freshmen held their own. Ayla McDowell chipped in six points and made several crisp passes, but Agot Makeer looked like an instant-impact player.
The freshman guard came off the bench early and delivered a stellar stat line — 16 points, six rebounds, five steals, and four assists.
“I’ve been saying all offseason that the freshmen just need to hold their own,” said one analyst. “But Makeer didn’t just hold her own — she changed the game.”
Makeer’s energy and defensive instincts set the tone for South Carolina’s relentless pace.
Looking Ahead
The real test arrives next week as the Gamecocks face North Carolina, a tougher and more experienced opponent. Still, if Friday’s performance is any indication, South Carolina’s depth, versatility, and renewed interior presence could make this season one to remember.
