South Carolina vs. Florida Women’s Basketball: Complete Viewing Guide and Game Information
Gainesville, FL — No. 3 South Carolina women’s basketball continues its SEC road swing with a Sunday matchup against the Florida Gators at the Stephen C. O’Connell Center. Here’s your comprehensive guide to watching, listening to, and following this important conference game as the Gamecocks look to improve to 2-0 in SEC play.
Game Information
Date: Sunday, January 4, 2025
Time: 2:00 PM ET
Location: Stephen C. O’Connell Center, Gainesville, Florida
Conference: SEC Game (South Carolina’s second conference contest)
Television and Streaming Coverage
How to Watch
The game will be broadcast on SEC Network, providing national coverage of this SEC matchup featuring one of the nation’s top-ranked teams.
Streaming Options:
- ESPN+ (with SEC Network subscription)
- fuboTV
- YouTube TV
- Hulu + Live TV
- Sling TV (with Sports Extra package)
- DirecTV Stream
Viewers should verify their streaming service includes SEC Network access before game time. Most major streaming platforms that carry ESPN networks include SEC Network in their sports packages.
Broadcast Team
SEC Network will assign an experienced broadcast crew for this top-25 matchup. The network typically features knowledgeable play-by-play announcers and color analysts with extensive women’s basketball expertise, along with sideline reporters who provide injury updates, coaching insights, and in-game developments.
The broadcast team will have the responsibility of contextualizing South Carolina’s roster situation—particularly Ta’Niya Latson’s uncertain status and Alicia Tournebize’s arrival but unavailability—while analyzing the strategic adjustments Dawn Staley has implemented to maintain championship standards despite personnel challenges.
Radio Coverage
South Carolina Radio Network
Gamecocks fans can follow the action through South Carolina’s official radio network, which provides comprehensive coverage throughout the state and surrounding regions.
Primary Coverage: The broadcast will be available on South Carolina’s flagship station and affiliate networks across the state. Fans should check local listings for their regional affiliate.
South Carolina Radio Network will carry the broadcast with full play-by-play and analysis for Gamecock fans.
Florida Gators Radio Network will also offer live coverage for those following the game locally or on the go.
Radio Broadcast Features:
- Pregame coverage beginning 30-60 minutes before tip-off
- Injury and availability updates
- Lineup announcements and starting five introductions
- Expert analysis and keys to victory
- Live play-by-play action
- Postgame reaction and press conference coverage
Digital Audio Streaming
For fans outside traditional radio range:
- GamecocksOnline.com typically streams radio broadcasts
- South Carolina Athletics mobile app
- TuneIn Radio app (subscription may be required)
- Satellite radio options (check specific channel listings)
Projected Starting Lineups
South Carolina Expected Starters
Point Guard: Raven Johnson
The senior floor general continues shouldering increased responsibilities with Ta’Niya Latson’s status uncertain. Johnson’s leadership, decision-making, and ability to handle road pressure become even more critical in hostile environments.
Shooting Guard: Tessa Johnson
The versatile guard who graduated in 2.5 years provides scoring punch and perimeter shooting. Her ability to create her own shot and knock down threes keeps defenses honest and prevents opponents from loading up on South Carolina’s interior players.
Small Forward: Agot Makeer (Probable)
The freshman has seized her expanded opportunity, starting in place of Latson and delivering efficient performances. Her 9-point, 4-rebound, 2-for-2 three-point shooting debut against Alabama validated Dawn Staley’s confidence in her readiness.
Power Forward: Joyce Edwards
The versatile forward brings scoring ability from multiple areas and defensive flexibility. Her pattern of stronger second-half performances has become a season-long theme that South Carolina hopes continues on the road.
Center: Madina Okot
The dominant starting center with 11+ double-doubles this season anchors South Carolina’s interior presence. Her ability to control the paint on both ends—scoring, rebounding, and rim protection—provides the foundation for the Gamecocks’ success.
Alternative Lineup Possibilities:
If Ta’Niya Latson is surprisingly cleared to play, she would likely return to the starting lineup, with Makeer moving to a reserve role or Staley adjusting positions to accommodate both guards.
Florida Expected Starters
Florida will counter with their typical lineup featuring:
Guards: Athletic backcourt players capable of creating offense and handling South Carolina’s defensive pressure
Forwards: Players tasked with the difficult challenge of competing against South Carolina’s size advantage
Center: Interior presence responsible for battling Madina Okot and preventing complete paint dominance
The Gators will likely emphasize three-point shooting to offset South Carolina’s interior advantages and attempt to control tempo to limit the Gamecocks’ transition opportunities.
Critical Injury and Availability Notes
South Carolina
QUESTIONABLE – Ta’Niya Latson (Ankle):
The biggest question mark is whether senior guard Ta’Niya Latson will be available after missing the SEC opener against Alabama. Dawn Staley’s day-to-day designation means her status remains genuinely uncertain heading into Sunday.
Latson has been observed wearing a walking boot on her left foot—standard protocol for lower leg injuries but an indicator she remains in the healing process. Her absence removes 16.9 points, 4.0 assists, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.6 steals per game from South Carolina’s production.
TRAVELING BUT NOT READY – Alicia Tournebize:
The newly arrived 6-7 French forward will accompany the team to Gainesville but is not ready to play, according to Staley. While her presence represents progress toward eventual contribution, she won’t factor into the Florida game.
OUT – Chloe Kitts (ACL – Season):
The forward continues rehabilitation three months post-surgery with encouraging progress, including being observed getting shots up at practice. However, she remains unavailable for competition this season.
OUT – Ashlyn Watkins (Season-Ending):
The athletic forward continues missing games, further depleting South Carolina’s frontcourt depth.
Florida
Florida’s official injury report will be released through SEC channels closer to game time. Any significant absences for the Gators would impact their ability to compete with South Carolina’s depth and talent advantages.
What to Watch For
Latson’s Status: Pre-game warmups will reveal whether she’s been cleared to play and, if so, what kind of minutes restriction or role adjustment she might have.
Road Environment: How South Carolina handles the hostile atmosphere, crowd noise, and communication challenges of a true road game.
First-Half Execution: Can the Gamecocks start strong rather than showing the slow-start pattern that has characterized their season?
Okot’s Interior Dominance: Will the center continue her double-double streak and control the paint against Florida’s frontcourt?
Three-Point Shooting: Both teams’ perimeter efficiency will likely determine the game’s competitive nature and final margin.
Prediction
Despite the road environment and roster uncertainty, South Carolina’s depth, talent, and championship experience should prove too much for Florida. Expect a competitive first half followed by the Gamecocks’ typical second-half surge.
Projected Score: South Carolina 73, Florida 56
Viewing Recommendations
Tune in early for:
- Pregame coverage with injury updates
- Lineup announcements revealing Latson’s status
- Analysis of South Carolina’s adjustments to roster challenges
- Keys to the game from broadcast analysts
This SEC road test provides crucial evaluation of how South Carolina handles adversity while building toward championship goals. Tip-off is set for 2:00 PM ET on SEC Network.