The wait is almost over for South Carolina women’s basketball fans. Dawn Staley and the Gamecocks are set to begin their 2026-27 campaign on Monday, November 2, with a major nonconference matchup against Maryland in Paris, France.
South Carolina enters the season ranked No. 1 nationally, while Maryland holds the No. 20 position. The two programs will meet at Adidas Arena as part of the 2026 Oui-Play event, with tipoff scheduled for noon ET on ESPN.
There is plenty at stake for the Gamecocks, who are looking to respond after consecutive seasons ended with defeats in the national championship game. South Carolina has been selected as the SEC preseason favorite by both the conference coaches and media. The Gamecocks are also among the leading contenders for the national championship.
Monday’s matchup offers an early opportunity for Staley’s team to assess its progress against a ranked opponent.
Game information: South Carolina vs. Maryland
Here are the details for Monday’s season opener:
- Matchup: No. 1 South Carolina vs. No. 20 Maryland
- Date: Monday, November 2, 2026
- Tipoff: 12:00 p.m. ET
- Location: Adidas Arena, Paris, France
- Television: ESPN
- Live streaming: ESPN app and ESPN.com
- ESPN broadcast team: Ryan Ruocco, Rebecca Lobo and Holly Rowe
- Radio: 107.5 The Game, with Brad Muller
- Satellite radio: SiriusXM Channels 174 and 228; Channel 952 on the app
- All-time series: South Carolina leads 7-2.
Looking back at the 2025-26 season
South Carolina finished the previous campaign with a 36-4 record after another deep NCAA Tournament run.
The Gamecocks entered the season ranked No. 2 in the AP preseason poll and went 29-2 during the regular season, capturing their sixth consecutive SEC regular-season championship. They fell to Texas in the SEC Tournament championship game but secured a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament.
Staley’s team subsequently reached its fifth consecutive Final Four before losing to UCLA in the national championship game. It was the second straight season South Carolina finished as national runner-up.
Maryland also experienced a competitive but ultimately disappointing postseason.
The Terrapins began the 2025-26 season ranked No. 10 nationally and reached No. 7 during the campaign. They finished the regular season 23-8 before losing to Oregon in the Big Ten Tournament.
Maryland received a No. 5 seed in the NCAA Tournament but was eliminated in the second round by North Carolina. The Terrapins concluded the season with a 24-9 record.
Both programs now enter a new campaign with something to prove.
South Carolina returns to Paris for another season opener
Paris holds positive memories for the Gamecocks.
South Carolina participated in the inaugural Oui-Play event in 2023, defeating Notre Dame 100-71. That victory began a remarkable 38-game winning streak that culminated in the 2024 national championship.
The event has since expanded into a doubleheader and moved to Adidas Arena, a venue that opened in 2024 ahead of the Paris Olympic Games.
The Gamecocks will hope their return to France produces another successful start to the season. However, Maryland presents a considerably different challenge, particularly with its returning talent and offensive capabilities.
Dawn Staley explains the challenge Maryland presents
Staley has expressed considerable respect for Maryland and head coach Brenda Frese ahead of Monday’s meeting.
Speaking to local media on October 27, Staley praised the progress Maryland has made, particularly its improved health and returning talent.
“I think they’re playing more like the Maryland of old,” Staley said. “They’re healthier. They got talent. I think Brenda’s doing a great job of getting back to who Maryland is and not having to just improvise because you don’t have the bodies, or you don’t have the healthy bodies.”
Maryland returns three All-Big Ten honorees: Bri McDaniel, Oluchi Okananwa and Addi Mack. The Terrapins also strengthened their roster through the addition of Stanford transfer Nunu Agara and Missouri transfer Chloe Sotell, alongside four incoming freshmen.
Their offensive production could create problems for South Carolina. Maryland averaged 82.3 points per game last season, ranking 10th nationally, and finished eighth in rebounding margin at plus-10.3.
Staley also expects Maryland to apply defensive pressure throughout the game.
“I think we’ll see pressing full court, three-quarter court,” she said.
She described the matchup as a significant early test for her players, particularly because it will provide an opportunity to measure the team’s readiness against a ranked opponent.
Three major questions surrounding South Carolina
1. Who will make the starting five?
South Carolina has considerable depth, and determining the starting lineup will be one of the early talking points.
Based on the team’s exhibition against Benedict, Joyce Edwards and Chloe Kitts appear likely to anchor the frontcourt. Tessa Johnson, Jordan Lee and Agot Makeer are strong candidates to complete the starting lineup.
Staley has several other options, however, and the final decision could depend on matchups and individual performances.
2. How will South Carolina replace Raven Johnson at point guard?
Replacing Raven Johnson is one of the biggest challenges facing the Gamecocks this season.
Maddy McDaniel was initially viewed as a potential successor but departed the program in August. Staley has indicated that the point guard responsibilities will be shared rather than assigned to one player immediately.
Makeer, Lee and Tessa Johnson are expected to contribute to ball distribution and offensive organization. Jerzy Robinson and Brooke Quarles-Daniels could also receive opportunities as part of the rotation.
How effectively this group handles opposing defensive pressure will be particularly important against Maryland.
3. Can the Gamecocks repeat their 2024 championship success?
South Carolina’s previous season opener in Paris ultimately became the beginning of a national championship campaign.
The circumstances are different this time, but expectations remain high. The Gamecocks have a roster that combines experienced players with emerging young talent, and their championship ambitions are clear.
A victory over Maryland would provide an encouraging start, although the team’s performance throughout the season will ultimately determine how far it can go.
Four players to watch in Monday’s matchup
Joyce Edwards – South Carolina
Edwards enters her junior season as one of the most important players in college basketball. She averaged 19.2 points and 6.8 rebounds per game last season, leading South Carolina in scoring.
She also became the third Gamecock to earn both First Team All-SEC and All-America recognition in each of her first two collegiate seasons.
Her scoring ability, physical presence and versatility will be central to South Carolina’s offensive plans.
Tessa Johnson – South Carolina
Johnson made the most of her opportunity as a starter last season. She averaged 12.8 points per game and shot an impressive 44.8% from three-point range, the best mark in the SEC.
The senior earned All-SEC recognition and was named to the preseason All-SEC team. She also received a place on the Ann Meyers Drysdale Award preseason watch list.
With Raven Johnson no longer in the backcourt, Tessa could have additional responsibilities in organizing the offense while maintaining her importance as an outside shooting threat.
Oluchi Okananwa – Maryland
Okananwa is one of Maryland’s most important returning players.
After transferring to the Terrapins, she averaged 17.8 points and 5.4 rebounds per game last season, leading the team in scoring.
The senior guard earned preseason All-Big Ten recognition and was named to the Ann Meyers Drysdale Award watch list. Her ability to create scoring opportunities will make her a major assignment for South Carolina’s defense.
Bri McDaniel – Maryland
McDaniel’s return provides Maryland with another important offensive option.
She missed the 2025-26 season while recovering from a knee injury sustained in January 2025. Before the injury, she averaged 10.6 points, 2.1 rebounds and 2.4 assists per game in her last full season.
The senior was also named to the Cheryl Miller Award preseason watch list.
Her return gives Frese another experienced guard who could influence the outcome against South Carolina.
A significant opening test for the Gamecocks
South Carolina begins its championship pursuit against a Maryland team with returning experience, offensive talent and the ability to apply defensive pressure.
For Staley, the game represents an early opportunity to evaluate her team’s chemistry, backcourt organization and ability to compete against high-level opposition.
The Gamecocks will be looking for a strong start in Paris as they pursue another SEC title and, ultimately, a return to the national championship stage.
South Carolina vs. Maryland tips off Monday, November 2, at noon ET on ESPN.
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