The No. 3 South Carolina Gamecocks (25-2, 11-1) are entering the final four games of their regular season with momentum, coming off a hard-fought 79-72 victory over then-No. 6 LSU. Their next test brings them to Coleman Coliseum in Tuscaloosa for the second meeting of the season against No. 24 Alabama, with tipoff set for 8:30 p.m. ET on the SEC Network.
The Gamecocks already handled business in the first matchup on January 1st, winning convincingly 83-57. Sophomore forward Joyce Edwards was the standout performer in that contest, dropping 25 points — a reflection of her dominant season average of 20 points per game.
Alabama’s Key Threats
The Crimson Tide enter the rematch at 20-6 overall and 6-6 in conference play. Their offensive engine is Jessica Timmons, who averages 16.2 points per game, though she was held to 12 in the earlier loss to South Carolina. Versatile contributor Karly Weathers leads the team in rebounds (6.1), assists (3.0), and steals (1.7), making her one of the more well-rounded players on the roster.
Dawn Staley’s Commanding Record
Head coach Dawn Staley has never lost to Alabama, entering this game at a perfect 24-0 against the Crimson Tide. Overall, South Carolina holds a 34-15 all-time series edge, including a 14-8 record when playing in Tuscaloosa. Staley also recently reached a major milestone, recording her 500th win at South Carolina with the victory over LSU on February 14th. She now stands at 500-112 overall as the Gamecocks’ head coach since taking over the program in 2008.
In-Game Updates
Halftime — South Carolina 42, Alabama 32
The Gamecocks shot 49% from the field in the first half but allowed Alabama to hit six three-pointers. Guard Raven Johnson contributed four assists in the opening 20 minutes.
End of First Quarter — South Carolina 21, Alabama 8
South Carolina closed the first quarter on a 6-0 run, forced three turnovers, and shot 47% from the field. They also dominated in the paint, scoring 12 points in that area alone.
Madina Okot Records First-Half Double-Double
Starting center Madina Okot was exceptional early, putting up 13 points and 10 rebounds before halftime — her 17th double-double of the season.
Team Efficiency
South Carolina ranks third in the nation in field goal percentage, shooting 51.3% — trailing only UConn and UCLA. Over their last five games, that number has climbed even higher to 52.3%, underscoring just how efficient this offense has been heading into the final stretch.
Injury Report
South Carolina: Adhel Tac (Out), Chloe Kitts (Out)
Alabama: Joy Egbuna (Out), Reychel Douglas (Questionable)
Notably, Chloe Kitts — a starting forward for the Gamecocks — tore her ACL and will miss the entire 2025-26 season. Her father Jason confirmed via social media on October 14th that she had a successful surgery and has since begun her road to recovery. Kitts continues to travel with the team throughout the season.
Starting Lineup
When fully healthy, Coach Staley’s preferred starting five is: Raven Johnson (PG), Ta’Niya Latson (G), Tessa Johnson (G), Joyce Edwards (F), and Madina Okot (C).
2025-26 Roster
South Carolina’s full roster features a seasoned group led by seniors Raven Johnson, Ta’Niya Latson, Chloe Kitts, Maryam Dauda, and Madina Okot, alongside junior Tessa Johnson, sophomores Maddy McDaniel, Joyce Edwards, and Adhel Tac, and freshmen Ayla McDowell and Agot Makeer.
