The Gamecocks will be without three players for Sunday’s contest, according to the latest SEC women’s basketball availability report issued Wednesday evening.
Key Absences Continue
Senior guard Ta’Niya Latson remains sidelined, designated as unavailable due to a left ankle sprain that keeps her status uncertain on a daily basis. The injury occurred during the Providence matchup late in the first half, when Latson went down while attempting a fast-break layup with just over four minutes remaining before halftime. She immediately signaled distress, clutching her foot after losing her footing on the drive.
Following South Carolina’s most recent contest versus Alabama, which Latson missed entirely, she was unable to participate in Friday’s practice session. When asked about her potential availability, head coach Dawn Staley offered minimal certainty, telling reporters she didn’t know if Latson might return for Saturday’s game.
The senior standout has been a vital offensive contributor this season, posting impressive numbers across multiple categories. She ranks second on the team in scoring while delivering career-best shooting efficiency from both inside and beyond the arc. Her role in South Carolina’s up-tempo offense has proven particularly valuable.
Newcomer Alicia Tournebize, a freshman who arrived at the program on New Year’s Day, also won’t see action. While she was present at Friday’s practice and will travel with the squad to Florida, Staley indicated she needs more time before making her competitive debut. The coach made clear that Tournebize isn’t prepared for game situations yet.
Chloe Kitts rounds out the unavailable trio and will remain out for the season’s duration. Despite being observed working on her shooting following Friday’s practice—which sparked some speculation about a possible return—Staley definitively dismissed any such possibility when questioned by media.
Roster Availability Issues Persist
The personnel challenges have significantly impacted South Carolina’s season. The team has managed to begin only five contests with their complete roster available, and has finished merely three games without losing players to injury or other issues during competition.
Conference-Wide Injury Report
Florida enters Saturday’s game with a clean bill of health, listing no players on their availability report.
Elsewhere around the SEC, several programs are dealing with their own absences. LSU will be without Kailyn Gilbert, while Texas has ruled out Aaliyah Crump. Auburn’s Harissoum Coulibaly is unavailable, though Oklahoma lists guard Aaliyah Chavez as likely to play with a probable designation.
