The No. 3 South Carolina Gamecocks continue to navigate uncertainty surrounding the availability of two key players ahead of Thursday’s home game against Mississippi State.
Following their victory over Texas A&M on Monday, during which both Ta’Niya Latson and Agot Makeer were sidelined, head coach Dawn Staley offered little clarity about their potential return for Thursday’s 6:30 p.m. SEC Network contest at Colonial Life Arena.
Practice Observation Provides Limited Clues
At Wednesday’s practice, both players were observed participating in limited capacity, shooting free throws alongside the team as the session concluded. Notably, Latson wore a brace on her left knee—a new detail in the ongoing injury situation.
When pressed about whether either player would suit up against Mississippi State, Staley remained characteristically tight-lipped.
“I guess you’ll know tonight,” Staley said with a laugh, referring to the SEC injury report that will release Wednesday around 8 p.m. “You’ll figure it out tonight.”
The official status of both Latson and Makeer will be revealed through the conference’s mandatory injury report.
The Injury Timeline
The absences began during South Carolina’s matchup with Auburn last week, though the circumstances differed for each player.
Makeer substituted out at the 6:18 mark of the first half and did not return to action. She retreated to the locker room before reappearing in the second quarter, moving gingerly and wearing what appeared to be a heating pad wrapped around her waist and upper hip area.
Latson logged 16 minutes in the first half but was absent for the entire second half of the Auburn contest. Staley explained afterward that Latson wasn’t feeling well, prompting the decision to hold her out.
Prior to Monday’s Texas A&M game, USC’s radio broadcast reported both players were out with leg injuries, with no definitive timetable for their return. ESPN’s pregame coverage provided slightly more detail, specifying that both were dealing with lower-leg injuries.
Recurring Injury Concerns
This marks the second time this season both players have been sidelined with injury-related issues. Makeer previously missed five games earlier in the season due to a concussion, while Latson sat out the first three games of SEC play with an ankle sprain.
As the Gamecocks prepare for Thursday’s conference matchup, the official word on their availability remains just hours away, with the SEC injury report set to provide the first definitive answers.
