Dominates Bowling Green 114–47 Behind Edwards and Okot
The South Carolina Gamecocks bounced back in emphatic fashion Friday night, dismantling Bowling Green 114–47 with a near-perfect performance on both ends of the floor. After showing some early-season rust against Grand Canyon, Dawn Staley’s squad looked sharper, more focused, and downright dominant in every aspect of the game.
Locked-In Defense and Relentless Rebounding
It was clear from the opening tip that South Carolina had cleaned up the flaws from its previous outing. The defense tightened up considerably, closing lanes, forcing tough shots, and contesting nearly every possession.
After pulling down just 38 rebounds against Grand Canyon earlier in the week, the Gamecocks grabbed 34 rebounds in the first half alone, finishing the night with 53 total rebounds — a massive plus-28 margin.
“Our rebounding effort set the tone,” Staley said. “We wanted to dominate the glass, and everyone bought in.”
Edwards and Okot Lead the Charge
The frontcourt duo of Joyce Edwards and Madina Okot powered South Carolina’s offense and defense. The pair combined for 37 points, 15 rebounds, and seven blocks, making life miserable for Bowling Green’s post players.
Edwards, who said before the game that the team wasn’t approaching this one any differently after a quiet debut, let her play do the talking. She looked aggressive and confident, attacking the rim and controlling the tempo in the paint.
Off the bench, Maryam Dauda also made a strong impact, contributing nine points and eight rebounds in limited minutes.
“I kind of felt sorry for Fred Chmiel,” one reporter joked. “Winston Gandy got the work-in-progress Gamecocks, and Chmiel got the version that learned from their mistakes.”
Agot Makeer Shines in Early Minutes
When Tessa Johnson picked up two quick offensive fouls just 90 seconds into the game, freshman Agot Makeer was called upon earlier than expected — and she delivered.
Makeer scored nine of her 12 points in the first quarter, finishing with three rebounds, a block, and a steal while shooting 4-for-6 from the field, 1-for-2 from beyond the arc, and 3-for-5 from the line.
Her combination of size, athleticism, and versatility stood out, as she used her length to disrupt Bowling Green’s offense and run the floor effectively in transition.
“Makeer looks like a star in the making,” Staley said. “She’s confident, coachable, and already improving game by game.”
Many expected Makeer to become a fan favorite this season, but based on her early performances, she could be a legitimate contender for Sixth Woman of the Year honors.
Frontcourt Depth Delivering Early
The Gamecocks’ frontcourt depth continues to impress. Okot posted a 13-point, 11-rebound double-double, while Dauda and Adhel Tac combined for valuable minutes.
Tac added three points, two rebounds, and two assists in 16 minutes, while Dauda tied her Gamecock career-high with eight rebounds and showcased newfound confidence with a crafty up-and-under layup — a move she wouldn’t have attempted a year ago.
Though the trio combined for six blocks, their defensive impact went far beyond the box score. Their presence in the paint altered countless shots and anchored South Carolina’s physical defense.
Okot also displayed impressive mobility, grabbing defensive rebounds and initiating fast breaks. One of the highlights came when she launched a three-quarter-court pass to Makeer for an easy layup, drawing a roar from the crowd.
“Our bigs were phenomenal tonight,” Staley praised. “They did everything — defended, rebounded, ran the floor, and made plays. That’s the standard we need all season.”
Statement Victory for the Gamecocks
The 114-point outburst wasn’t just another lopsided win — it was a statement that South Carolina had learned from its early missteps. With Edwards and Okot setting the tone, Makeer emerging as a spark plug, and the frontcourt controlling both ends, the Gamecocks reminded everyone why they remain one of the most complete teams in the nation.
South Carolina looks ahead to its next challenge with renewed confidence — and the rest of the country has officially been put on notice.
