South Carolina will face another major test early in the 2026–27 season when the Gamecocks meet North Carolina in the Ally Tipoff on Sunday, November 8, in Charlotte. The matchup brings together two prominent women’s basketball programs, with Dawn Staley’s team looking to build on its season-opening victory in Paris.
The Gamecocks opened their campaign with a 101–93 win over No. 20 Maryland. North Carolina, meanwhile, began the season with a 91–79 defeat against No. 21 Oklahoma. Both teams now turn their attention to a meeting that should provide an early indication of their progress.
South Carolina looks to build on its Paris performance
South Carolina showed its offensive potential against Maryland. Joyce Edwards led the team with 23 points, eight rebounds and four assists. Agot Makeer delivered a career-high 20 points and made all four of her three-point attempts.
Tessa Johnson added 15 points, six rebounds and five assists, while Jerzy Robinson also scored 15. Jordan Lee contributed 13 points and converted all seven of her free throws. Chloe Kitts recorded eight points, seven rebounds and five assists in her return from injury.
The Gamecocks demonstrated how dangerous they can be when their transition offense is effective. They built a 61–33 halftime advantage and led by as many as 31 points. However, Maryland mounted a significant second-half comeback, exposing areas South Carolina must address.
Ball security and defensive consistency will be important against North Carolina. The Gamecocks cannot afford to lose control of the game after establishing an early advantage.
North Carolina will be looking for a response
The Tar Heels enter this matchup after their 91–79 loss to Oklahoma in Paris. North Carolina competed closely through the first half but struggled to contain Oklahoma after the break. The Sooners scored 31 points in the third quarter, while the Tar Heels managed only 14.
Freshman Kate Harpring led North Carolina with 21 points, six rebounds and five assists. Nyla Brooks added 13 points, while Achol Akot and Reniya Kelly each contributed 11.
Despite the defeat, North Carolina showed that it has several players capable of contributing offensively. The Tar Heels also recorded 16 steals against Oklahoma, evidence of their ability to create defensive pressure.
Their challenge against South Carolina will be to sustain that defensive intensity without allowing the Gamecocks to generate easy transition opportunities.
The key matchup: South Carolina’s depth and offensive balance
South Carolina has several scoring options, and that balance could become an important advantage. Edwards provides a strong interior scoring presence, while Johnson and Lee offer perimeter production. Makeer’s performance against Maryland also gives Staley another shooting option.
The starting lineup and rotation will be worth watching. South Carolina used multiple players in ball-handling roles during the preseason, and the Paris opener offered another look at how the team can distribute those responsibilities.
Ashlyn Watkins also made a significant contribution against Maryland, collecting 10 rebounds and recording two blocks. Her defensive presence could be valuable against a North Carolina team that will want to compete physically around the basket.
For the Gamecocks, the objective should be to establish control early and maintain it throughout all four quarters. The Maryland game showed how quickly a comfortable lead can become vulnerable when defensive intensity drops.
Recent history favors South Carolina
North Carolina leads the all-time series 7–6, but South Carolina has won the last four meetings between the programs. Their most recent encounter came in the 2024 NCAA Tournament, when the Gamecocks defeated the Tar Heels 88–41.
That history gives South Carolina a recent advantage, although the teams now have different rosters. Sunday’s contest will provide a new test for both programs.
Game details: South Carolina vs. North Carolina
- Matchup: South Carolina Gamecocks vs. North Carolina Tar Heels
- Date: Sunday, November 8, 2026
- Tipoff: 5:30 p.m. Eastern Time
- Venue: Spectrum Center
- Location: Charlotte, North Carolina
- Event: Ally Tipoff
- Television: ESPN
- Streaming: ESPN App, with an applicable subscription or TV-provider access
The game is part of the Ally Tipoff doubleheader in Charlotte. Kentucky and NC State are scheduled to meet earlier in the day before South Carolina and North Carolina take the court.
South Carolina will enter the contest seeking another strong performance after its opening victory. North Carolina will be motivated to respond after its loss in Paris. With scoring options on both sides and important adjustments to make, this matchup should offer an interesting early-season test for the Gamecocks.
Tipoff is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. ET on Sunday, November 8, live on ESPN.
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