Columbia, SC—–South Carolina entered Tuesday night as the nation’s top team in defensive field-goal percentage, and from the opening tip, the Gamecocks showed why. Although a turnover by star transfer Ta’Niya Latson led to Winthrop’s first points, she quickly redeemed herself by slicing through the lane for South Carolina’s opening basket.
Over the first five minutes, Latson and fellow newcomer Madina Okot powered the offense, combining for the Gamecocks’ first 14 points—Latson with eight and Okot with six. From there, Dawn Staley’s squad settled into its trademark rhythm, turning defensive stops into effortless transition buckets and shooting a staggering 77% in the first quarter.
Winthrop struggled to find daylight inside, finding brief relief only through two three-pointers from senior guard Mya Pierfax. South Carolina, meanwhile, was perfect from the foul line, going 8-for-8 in the opening frame.
Latson dominated the first half, posting a pristine 7-for-7 shooting performance that included a pair of threes. Winthrop had no answers for her pace or poise. With sophomore Maddy McDaniel still sidelined due to suspension, Staley continued to lean on her youth, giving valuable minutes to freshmen guards Agot Makeer and Ayla McDowell.
Their early contributions helped South Carolina build a commanding 64–31 halftime lead. Three Gamecocks scored in double figures before the break—Joyce Edwards with 18, Latson with 20, and Okot with 14.
Latson didn’t miss a shot until the 4:20 mark of the third quarter, and by then South Carolina was fully in control. Makeer and McDowell remained active in the rotation, impressing with their activity and toughness.
The Gamecocks ended the third quarter up by 40, leaving no doubt about the outcome.
Both freshmen made strong impressions. Makeer finished with 12 points, seven rebounds, and two steals in 21 minutes, while McDowell recorded seven points and four boards in 25 minutes. “Really proud of our young players who are giving it what they’ve got,” Staley said.
South Carolina closed out a dominant wire-to-wire performance with a 50-point victory in front of the devoted home “FAMS.” Four players reached double figures: Latson led with 24, Edwards added 22, and Okot posted a powerful double-double with 23 points and 11 rebounds on 10-of-12 shooting. Winthrop’s offense was anchored by Pierfax, who scored a team-high 16 points.
The Gamecocks continue their warm-up slate on November 23rd against Queens University before heading to Las Vegas to face Duke in the Players Era Championship on November 26th. Winthrop returns home to host Clinton College on November 21st.
