South Carolina women’s basketball will hit the road for the first time this season to face its first ranked opponent, taking on No. 10 Southern Cal.
The No. 2 Gamecocks (3-0) will battle the Trojans (2-0) at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Nov. 15 at 9 p.m. ET (FOX). This matchup is the opener of a two-game neutral-site series called “The Real SC.” South Carolina will host Southern Cal in the return leg on Nov. 15, 2026, at Bon Secours Wellness Arena.
Both teams are missing key contributors: Juju Watkins and Chloe Kitts, each sidelined with torn ACLs. Watkins suffered her injury during March’s NCAA Tournament, while Kitts was lost before the season began.
South Carolina Down to Nine Players
With Kitts out, coach Dawn Staley began the season with just 10 active players. The suspension of sophomore guard Maddy McDaniel now leaves the Gamecocks with nine available athletes.
Despite the limited roster, South Carolina dominated Clemson 65–37 on Nov. 11 without McDaniel, though depth could become a factor against a talented Southern Cal squad.
Southern Cal’s Guard-Heavy System
The Trojans deploy a four-guard lineup with a 6-foot-3 forward, while South Carolina counters with stars Joyce Edwards (6-3) and Madina Okot (6-6). Controlling the paint will be essential for the Gamecocks. Edwards has been reliable offensively, scoring at least 18 points in each of the last two games.
If Okot is double-teamed inside, it could leave one of Staley’s three guards open. Fortunately, Okot’s court vision allows the Gamecocks to maintain ball movement against Southern Cal’s fast, skilled guards.
Key Players and Matchups to Watch
Freshman Jazzy Davidson, a 6-1 guard and the No. 1 prospect in the 2025 class, is tied with UCLA transfer Londynn Jones, averaging 17.5 points per game. Davidson dropped 21 points, including the game-winning layup, against NC State on Nov. 9.
Staley may have fifth-year guard Raven Johnson defend Davidson, while Tessa Johnson (6-1) and Kennedy Smith (6-1) could be tasked with guarding Jones. Ta’Niya Latson will need to prevent Jones from getting wide-open three-point attempts, a problem Clemson exploited last week.
Juju Watkins and Staley’s Connection
Watkins, who averaged 23.9 points in college (second only to Latson’s 25.2), faced a tough choice out of high school between South Carolina and Southern Cal. Staley has maintained a strong relationship with her former recruit. When Watkins was injured, Staley texted her and later remarked at a press conference:
“JuJu is loved by all of us. JuJu is raising and lifting our game up with how she plays.”
South Carolina vs. Southern Cal: Quick Facts
- South Carolina holds a 3–0 record against Southern Cal, last meeting in 2014
- Wendale Farrow left Southern Cal to join Staley’s staff this offseason
- South Carolina has four new players, Southern Cal has five
- Four Gamecocks are averaging 12.3 points or more, while three Trojans average 10.5+
Prediction
South Carolina 74, Southern Cal 61 — An early-season road victory would serve as a statement win for Dawn Staley and the Gamecocks.
