South Carolina women’s basketball SEC title push 2026 reached a fever pitch Sunday afternoon as the No. 3 South Carolina Gamecocks dominated the No. 17 Ole Miss Rebels 85-48, electrifying the home crowd and cementing one of the most impressive regular-season performances in the program’s recent history.
From the opening tip, the Gamecocks set the tone with a blend of suffocating defense, balanced scoring and unselfish play that has defined their 2025-26 campaign. With ESPN’s College GameDay in attendance, Colonial Life Arena buzzed with energy — a perfect backdrop for what might be South Carolina’s most complete effort of the season.
Gamecock Defense Stifles Ole Miss
South Carolina’s defense was instantly disruptive, holding Ole Miss to just 26.5% shooting from the field, the lowest offensive output the Rebels have managed all year. A team that often thrives on tempo and spacing found neither rhythm nor comfort against the Gamecock pressure. Ole Miss star Cotie McMahon, averaging 20.7 points per game, was limited to just two made free throws, a testament to South Carolina’s focus and execution on the defensive end.
The Gamecocks’ physical yet disciplined defense forced contested shots, rushed possessions and turnovers bubbling up from early pressure, shutting down Ole Miss before they could even establish their offensive identity.
Balanced Scoring Lifts South Carolina
Offense was no afterthought for South Carolina. Instead, it flowed smoothly and confidently against a Rebel defense that struggled to slow down the Gamecock attack. Every player on the court made her presence felt: all ten Gamecocks who saw the floor scored at least one basket, making it the 11th time this season that every active scorer contributed to the scoreboard.
Leading the charge was Joyce Edwards, whose 21-point performance not only energized her teammates but added to her personal highlight reel this season. For Edwards, this was her 17th game with 20 or more points, the third-most in a single season in South Carolina history, trailing only legends A’ja Wilson (21 games) and Jocelyn Penn (19 games). She attacked aggressively, hit shots at all three levels and mixed smart interior play with confident perimeter looks.
Supporting Edwards was Madina Okot, who delivered a dynamic 17 points and 10 rebounds, marking her sixth double-double against a ranked opponent this season — tying for the most in Division I women’s basketball. Okot stretched the defense with three made 3-pointers, her most in a single game this year, and dominated the glass with smart positioning and relentless effort.
Ta’Niya Latson Shines in All-Around Performance
Complementing the interior prowess of Edwards and Okot was Ta’Niya Latson, who finished with 13 points, three assists, and three steals in an efficient all-around performance. For Latson, it was her 19th game this season with 10 or more points, underscoring her steady scoring presence and maturity as one of the league’s most versatile guards.
Latson’s ability to read passing lanes and create offense in transition added another dimension to an already potent South Carolina attack. Whether sparking fast breaks, drawing help defenders or hitting catch-and-shoot opportunities, she was a consistent catalyst throughout the afternoon.
Dominance in the Paint and on the Boards
The Gamecocks’ statistical advantage told part of the story, but their physical play painted an even clearer picture of dominance. They controlled the paint with strength and timing, outmuscling Ole Miss for second-chance opportunities and tipping nearly every loose ball in their direction.
Rebounding, especially offensive rebounding, was a consistent theme for South Carolina. Their ability to extend possessions and convert extra opportunities into easy points forced the Rebels to expend extra energy on defense — energy that probably should have been saved for scoring.
A Landmark Home Record Continues
South Carolina’s win improved their record to 27-2 overall and 13-1 in SEC play, maintaining their tight grip on the league standings. The Gamecocks extended a remarkable home winning streak, remaining undefeated at Colonial Life Arena this season (15-0) and improving a stunning 108-2 overall home record since the 2019-20 season.
For the Ole Miss rivalry specifically, Sunday’s victory marked South Carolina’s 21st straight win over the Rebels — an astonishing streak that highlights the level of consistency and performance excellence head coach Dawn Staley has instilled in her program.
Coach Staley Reflects on Consistent Excellence
After the game, Coach Staley spoke reverently about her team’s mindset.
“I’m super proud of our players to compete and win at the highest level in this league,” she said. “Winning five SEC regular season championships consecutively is unheard of… almost like an out-of-body experience. It’s a credit to our players for believing in it, playing a style of play that sometimes sacrifices some of your individual success for the overall team.”
Her words captured the essence of this season — a collective effort where individuals sacrifice for the greater good, lift each other up and execute a shared vision with precision and passion.
What’s Next: SEC Title Within Reach
Looking ahead, South Carolina’s path to outright SEC regular season champion remains clear: a Thursday night finish at home against Missouri in the final regular-season game. With the Rebels result locking in a share of the title for the fifth consecutive year, the Gamecocks now have the opportunity to claim the crown outright in front of their home fans.
The margin of victory over Ole Miss — a 37-point differential — underscored the Gamecocks’ readiness for March and their ability to dominate on both ends of the floor. If this level of play continues, few teams in the nation — SEC or across women’s college basketball — will want to meet South Carolina in postseason play.
Conclusion
South Carolina women’s basketball SEC title push 2026 surged forward with authority on Sunday, mixing lockdown defense, shared scoring and unrelenting energy to put a statement win on the board. With one regular-season game remaining and the chance to hoist the SEC trophy outright, the Gamecocks have not just solidified their dominance — they’ve built momentum that could carry them deep into March and beyond.
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