No. 3 Gamecocks Host Lady Bulldogs in “We Back Pat” Showdown at Colonial Life Arena
Game Information
Who: Georgia Lady Bulldogs (15-2, 1-2 SEC) at No. 3 South Carolina Gamecocks (16-1, 3-0 SEC)
When: Sunday, January 11, 2026, 2:00 p.m. ET
Where: Colonial Life Arena, Columbia, South Carolina
TV: SEC Network
Streaming: ESPN App
Special: “We Back Pat” contest honoring Pat Summitt’s legacy
Historical Context: A Storied SEC Rivalry
The South Carolina-Georgia rivalry represents one of the Southeastern Conference’s most historically significant matchups in women’s basketball. Both programs have deep roots in SEC excellence, with Georgia’s Andy Landers era overlapping with South Carolina’s emergence as a conference power under Dawn Staley.
South Carolina has dominated recent meetings in the series, including a memorable 70-56 victory last season that set the SEC record for consecutive conference wins at 43 straight, breaking a tie with Tennessee’s 1991-95 dynasty. The Gamecocks have been nearly unstoppable at home during Staley’s tenure, boasting a 101-34 (.748) record in SEC road games overall.
Georgia, meanwhile, brings historic pedigree as one of the sport’s traditional powers. The Lady Bulldogs have appeared in 36 NCAA Tournaments (tied for second-most all-time), reached five Final Fours, and won seven SEC regular-season championships and four conference tournament titles. Under second-year coach Katie Abrahamson-Henderson, Georgia is enjoying its best start since 2009-10 at 15-2, despite recent losses to Ole Miss (79-62) and LSU (80-59).
Contrasting Styles of Play
South Carolina’s Dominance:
The Gamecocks embody physicality, defensive intensity, and offensive efficiency. South Carolina ranks:
- 2nd nationally in field goal percentage (.540)
- 2nd nationally in points per possession (1.05, per Her Hoop Stats)
- 2nd nationally in fast break points (26.4 per game)
- 5th nationally in field goal percentage defense (.320)
- 9th nationally in shot-blocking (15.8% of opponents’ 2-point attempts)
South Carolina’s offense is predicated on paint dominance, taking 60.8% of its shots from inside. The Gamecocks excel in transition, converting defensive stops into easy baskets with devastating efficiency. They also lead the Dawn Staley era with 9.4 steals per game, creating constant pressure on opposing ball-handlers.
Georgia’s Approach:
Georgia employs a spread-and-drive offensive system designed to create space and penetration opportunities. As Arkansas coach Kelsi Musick recently experienced, the Lady Bulldogs spread defenses out, attack downhill, and kick out for three-pointers. However, Georgia has struggled with shooting efficiency lately, going just 4-of-29 (13.8%) from beyond the arc in their loss to LSU.
Coach Abrahamson-Henderson acknowledged after the LSU defeat: “We can’t let them go transition like this. We got this team going transition and they scored 48 points in the paint. Half of the time it was transition, half of the time it was driving to the basket.”
Georgia’s success depends on limiting South Carolina’s transition game—easier said than done against the nation’s second-best fast-break team.
Players to Watch
South Carolina:
Joyce Edwards (F, Sophomore) – The centerpiece of South Carolina’s offense, Edwards is averaging 21.1 points per game on an elite .618 field goal percentage (12th nationally, 2nd in SEC). She scored 22 points on 9-of-13 shooting against Arkansas and has been unstoppable in the paint. Her combination of size, athleticism, and skill makes her a matchup nightmare. Edwards leads all sophomores in scoring efficiency and has become one of the nation’s premier players.
Tessa Johnson (G, Junior) – A dynamic scorer averaging double figures, Johnson provides perimeter firepower to complement Edwards’ interior dominance. She posted 19 points against Arkansas on 3-of-4 shooting from three-point range. Her veteran leadership and ability to knock down open shots make her crucial to South Carolina’s offensive balance.
Raven Johnson (G, Junior) – The floor general orchestrates South Carolina’s offense and sets the defensive tone. Her aggressiveness and decision-making have been critical, especially with Ta’Niya Latson sidelined. Staley praised her ability to “do exactly what’s needed to win basketball games.”
Madina Okot (C, Senior) – One of the nation’s most productive centers, Okot ranks 2nd nationally in double-doubles (10), 8th in rebounds per game (11.1), and 10th in field goal percentage (.623). Her 4.2 offensive rebounds per game rank 15th nationally with a conference-best 7.0 average in SEC play. She’s a monster on the glass and finishing around the rim.
Maddy McDaniel (G, Freshman) – With Latson out, McDaniel has emerged as a reliable playmaker off the bench. She dished out six assists without a turnover against Arkansas in 26 minutes, showing poise beyond her years. Dawn Staley called her Arkansas performance “by far her best game on both sides of the basketball.”
Agot Makeer (G, Freshman) – The 6-foot freshman from Canada earned her first career start against Alabama and has been thriving lately, averaging 9.5 points on 53.8% shooting and 7.0 rebounds over the last two games. She posted a 10-point, 10-rebound double-double against Providence before Latson’s injury.
Georgia:
Javyn Nicholson (F, Fifth-Year Senior) – Georgia’s unquestioned leader, Nicholson is second in the SEC with 12 double-doubles this season and has scored in double figures in 23 of 24 contests. The veteran forward will need to dominate the paint and match South Carolina’s physicality for Georgia to have a chance.
De’Mauri Flournoy (G, Junior) – The guard has been on fire lately, scoring in double figures in seven consecutive games while averaging 14.3 points during that stretch. Her perimeter scoring will be vital against South Carolina’s smothering interior defense.
Dani Carnegie – The sophomore guard exploded for 24 points in Georgia’s loss to LSU, showing she can carry the scoring load when opponents focus on Nicholson. Her ability to create her own shot will be tested against South Carolina’s elite perimeter defense.
Taniyah Thompson (G, Fifth-Year Senior) – Her minutes increased significantly following Zoesha Smith’s season-ending injury. She was averaging 12.1 minutes before the injury and has bumped that up to 26.7 since. Her experience could prove valuable in the hostile environment of Colonial Life Arena.
Possible Offsets and Matchup Advantages
South Carolina’s Advantages:
- Home Court Dominance – Colonial Life Arena will be rocking for the “We Back Pat” game. South Carolina set an arena attendance record of 18,478 last season against Georgia and should approach that again.
- Size and Physicality – The Gamecocks’ frontcourt of Edwards, Okot, and others will overwhelm Georgia’s interior. South Carolina held Arkansas to just seven second-chance points despite the Razorbacks’ size.
- Transition Excellence – With 26.4 fast-break points per game, South Carolina will punish any Georgia turnovers or missed shots. The Lady Bulldogs’ struggle with transition defense makes this a critical mismatch.
- Defensive Versatility – South Carolina can switch 1-5 and pressure the ball for 94 feet. Their 9.4 steals per game could force Georgia into uncomfortable situations.
- Depth Development – The forced rotation due to Latson’s absence has actually strengthened the bench. Makeer and McDaniel have proven reliable, giving Staley more options.
Georgia’s Potential Offsets:
- Three-Point Shooting – If Georgia gets hot from deep, they can offset South Carolina’s interior advantage. However, recent shooting woes (4-of-29 vs. LSU) are concerning.
- Nicholson’s Versatility – The senior forward can score inside and out, potentially drawing Okot or Edwards away from the paint.
- Experience – With five fifth-year seniors on the roster, Georgia has veteran savvy. Their NCAA Tournament game against Iowa last season was the most-watched first/second round game in history—they know how to handle pressure.
- Pace Control – If Georgia can slow the game down and limit transition opportunities, they might keep it competitive. Coach Abrahamson-Henderson’s teams have won 20+ games in 11 straight seasons.
Key Weaknesses and Concerns
South Carolina:
Ta’Niya Latson’s Status – The biggest question mark surrounds Latson’s availability. Dawn Staley provided an update on January 9: “We’re going to see how she feels tomorrow, every day we’re ramping her up. If that lower leg injury doesn’t feel good tomorrow, then we have to pull back.”
Latson hasn’t played since suffering a left ankle sprain against Providence on December 28. She was in a boot on January 1, wasn’t on January 4, and returned to practice on January 7 but didn’t play January 8 against Arkansas. Though she ran with the starters to end practice on January 9, Staley remains cautious.
“It’s hard for athletes who perform at a high level, they’re just used to their bodies just guiding them through their play, and when it doesn’t work the way they envision it takes a stab in their confidence,” Staley explained.
Latson, who averaged a nation-best 25.2 points at Florida State last season, is averaging 16.9 points, 4.0 assists, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.6 steals this season while shooting career-highs of 51.9% from the field and 41.7% from three. Her absence means Georgia won’t face South Carolina’s full arsenal—unless she’s cleared to play.
Even if Latson returns, Staley faces a decision: ease her back off the bench or return her to the starting lineup? The coach was still undecided as of January 9.
Roster Health – South Carolina has finished games with all 10 available players just three times this season. They’ve dealt with injuries to Chloe Kitts (season-ending), Latson (ankle), and missed time from Tessa Johnson, Madina Okot, and Makeer at various points.
Georgia:
Shooting Consistency – Georgia’s 4-of-29 performance from three against LSU exposed a glaring weakness. Against South Carolina’s elite interior defense, the Lady Bulldogs must knock down perimeter shots or risk getting blown out.
Transition Defense – Allowing 48 points in the paint to LSU, with half coming in transition, is a recipe for disaster against a South Carolina team that scores 26.4 fast-break points per game.
Interior Defense – Matching up with Edwards and Okot will be Georgia’s biggest challenge. Without the size to compete inside, the Lady Bulldogs must rely on help defense and limiting offensive rebounds.
Turnover Management – South Carolina’s 9.4 steals per game could wreak havoc on Georgia’s spread offense. Ball security will be paramount.
Zoesha Smith’s Absence – Smith’s season-ending injury depleted Georgia’s backcourt depth, forcing others into expanded roles. Against a team of South Carolina’s caliber, that lack of depth could be exposed.
Injuries and Availability
South Carolina:
- Ta’Niya Latson (G, Senior) – Ankle sprain, day-to-day. Hasn’t played since December 28. Practiced with starters on January 9 but status for Georgia game uncertain. Staley ramping her up gradually.
- Chloe Kitts (F) – Out for season (previous injury)
- Alicia Tournebize (F, Freshman) – Recently arrived from France but unlikely to play significant minutes yet
Georgia:
- Zoesha Smith (G) – Season-ending injury
Prediction and Outlook
This game represents everything South Carolina does well: physical defense, transition offense, and paint dominance. Georgia’s shooting struggles and transition defense vulnerabilities play directly into the Gamecocks’ strengths.
If Latson plays, South Carolina should win comfortably by 15-20 points. Without her, the margin might shrink to 10-15, but the outcome shouldn’t change. Georgia would need a near-perfect shooting night and for South Carolina to have an uncharacteristically poor performance to pull the upset.
The “We Back Pat” atmosphere at Colonial Life Arena will be electric, providing additional fuel for the Gamecocks. Georgia’s veteran leadership and Coach ABE’s tournament pedigree (12 NCAA appearances, 3rd among active SEC coaches) might keep it respectable through three quarters, but South Carolina’s depth and talent should ultimately prevail.
Key to Victory:
- South Carolina: Control the boards, push transition, and maintain defensive intensity. If Latson plays, integrate her efficiently.
- Georgia: Knock down three-pointers early, limit turnovers, and somehow slow South Carolina’s transition game. Nicholson must dominate to give them a chance.
The winner continues momentum in what promises to be a brutal SEC gauntlet, while the loser faces questions about their ability to compete with the conference’s elite.
Sources
- On3. “South Carolina women’s basketball remains in top three of NET rankings.” January 7, 2026.
- Yahoo Sports. “Georgia WBB regroups ahead of date with South Carolina, Dawn Staley.” January 8, 2026.
- Yahoo Sports. “Dawn Staley gives Ta’Niya Latson injury update for South Carolina vs Georgia.” January 9, 2026.
- ESPN. “South Carolina’s Ta’Niya Latson suffers lower left leg injury.” December 29, 2025.
- University of South Carolina Athletics. “Women’s Hoops Hits the Road to Florida.” January 3, 2026.
- University of Georgia Athletics. “Georgia Faces No. 1 South Carolina in Nationally Televised Game.” February 16, 2024.
- On3. “South Carolina women’s basketball beats Georgia, sets SEC consecutive wins record.” February 18, 2024.
