South-Carolina

Will South Carolina work through injuries, beat Lady Vols? Our prediction

Published

1 month ago

February 7, 2026

Will South Carolina work through injuries, beat Lady Vols? Our prediction

COLUMBIA — After a brief pause in ranked play, South Carolina women’s basketball hosts a top-20 SEC matchup.

The No. 3 Gamecocks (23-2, 9-1 SEC) beat Mississippi State 88-45 on Feb. 5 and now host No. 17 Tennessee on Feb. 8 (3 p.m. ET, ABC).

South Carolina hasn’t had a ranked game since it beat then No. 4 Vanderbilt 103-74 on Jan. 25.

The Lady Vols (15-5, 7-1 SEC) are coming into the game off a overtime win over Georgia and coach Kim Caldwell is 0-1 against Dawn Staley since taking over the program.

Here’s what you need to know about the matchup.

South Carolina vs Tennessee injury report for Dawn Staley

It’s unclear whether three South Carolina starting guards – Tessa Johnson, Ta’Niya Latson or Agot Makeer – will play against the Lady Vols.

Latson and Makeer have missed the last two games with lower leg injuries.

Staley held Johnson out of the second half of South Carolina’s win over Mississippi State on Feb. 5, saying, “She’s just a little sore so we opted to keep her out and get her ready for the Tennessee game.”

If Staley had to pick between resting Latson and Makeer for one of the next two games, it wouldn’t be a surprise if she picks Tennessee with LSU on Feb. 14 (8:30 p.m. ET, ABC), but that doesn’t mean they aren’t needed.

Latson is not only the second-leading scorer with 15.2 points but is versatile in how she scores. Raven Johnson will need help from veterans like Latson and Tessa Johnson, who won’t get thrown off by the pace of Tennessee’s play.

Makeer is mature on both sides of the basketball and can help the Gamecocks against the Lady Vols’ defensive pressure.

The most official update will come from the SEC injury report, first published at 8:10 p.m. ET on Feb. 7 then updated Feb. 8.

Can South Carolina handle Tennessee’s fast-paced, high-pressure style?

Caldwell’s system subs often, which means she demands high-level speed and effort for a fast-paced game.

South Carolina has struggled at times with getting sped up by opponents, like when it had 21 turnovers vs Florida. Texas pressed most of the game on Jan. 15 and the Gamecocks won 68-65 but had 20 turnovers.

Tennessee is 26th nationally in steals with 11.6 and 22nd in turnovers forced per game at 21.37.

Raven Johnson had no turnovers last year when she played Tennessee but had veteran guards around her. It will be a big game for freshman Ayla McDowell and sophomore Maddy McDaniel, especially if Latson doesn’t play.

Where South Carolina can capitalize on Tennessee’s weaknesses

In their 77-62 loss to Mississippi State, the Lady Vols were outrebounded 50-31. South Carolina can take control if it keeps them off the boards.

They also average 15.4 turnovers a game (ranks 116th) and South Carolina forces 19 a game.

Caldwell said that in the loss to UConn on Feb. 1, Tennessee took bad shots that turned into points for UConn. South Carolina’s opponents are shooting an average of 33.8% from the field (sixth nationally) so forcing the Lady Vols into rushed or poor shots is key.

Joyce Edwards and Madina Okot will also need to make the most of South Carolina’s size advantage.

South Carolina vs Tennessee prediction

South Carolina 71, Tennessee 60: The Gamecocks are led by Okot and Edwards on offense.

Lulu Kesin covers South Carolina athletics for The Greenville News and the USA TODAY Network. Email her at LKesin@usatodayco.com. Follow her on X@Lulukesin and Bluesky‪@bylulukesin.bsky.social‬

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South-Carolina

South Carolina vs Southern University predictions, picks, odds for NCAA Tournament First Round

Published

5 hours ago

March 21, 2026

Press Room

South Carolina vs Southern University predictions, picks, odds for NCAA Tournament First Round

The First Round of the women’s 2026 NCAA Tournament continues Saturday with a slate featuring No. 1 South Carolina vs. No. 16 Southern University on the 16-game schedule.

Here is the latest on Saturday’s March Madness matchup, including expert picks from reporters across the USA TODAY Sports Network.

USA TODAY Sports has a team of journalists covering the women’s NCAA Tournament to keep you up to date with every point scored, rebound grabbed and game won in the 68-team tournament.

USA TODAY Studio IX: Check out our women’s sports hub for in-depth analysis, commentary and more

Join the USA TODAY $1 million Bracket Challenge

No. 1 South Carolina vs No. 16 Southern University prediction

Heather Burns: South Carolina
Mitchell Northam: South Carolina
Nancy Armour: South Carolina
Cydney Henderson: South Carolina
Meghan Hall: South Carolina

No. 1 South Carolina vs No. 16 Southern University odds

Opening Moneyline: N/A
Opening Spread: South Carolina (-52.5)
Opening Total: 130.5

How to Watch South Carolina vs Southern University on Saturday

No. 1 South Carolina takes on No. 16 Southern University at Colonial Life Arena in Columbia on at 1:00 p.m. (ET). The game is airing on ABC.

Stream March Madness on Fubo

2026 Women’s NCAA Tournament full schedule

March 18-19: First Four
March 20-21: First Round
March 22-23: Second Round
March 27-28: Sweet 16
March 29-30: Elite 8
April 3: Final Four
April 5: National Championship

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South-Carolina

South Carolina senators agree on hemp product regulation bill

Published

1 day ago

March 20, 2026

Press Room

South Carolina senators agree on hemp product regulation bill

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WCSC) — South Carolina senators agreed on a hemp product regulation bill after an 11-hour debate at the statehouse and weeks of discussions.

Senators worked to balance keeping hemp products away from those under 21 while ensuring majority support for the regulatory proposal.

Under the deal, low-potency canned beverages will be sold at retail stores licensed to sell beer and wine behind the counter. Higher-potency canned drinks and 750-milliliter bottles could be purchased at liquor stores.

The deal also includes gummies. Under the proposal, packs of four gummies that can be 10 milligrams each will be available behind the counter at liquor stores.

“That’s the number one thing we want to regulate this product make sure those who shouldn’t be around it aren’t and so that was the entire intent of today,” Sen. Michael Johnson, R-York, said.

“We are going to again force alcoholics into liquor stores to get gummies I think that is a very bad mistake,” Sen. Ed Sutton, D-Charleston, said.

The measure must pass on a third reading Tuesday before it goes to the House. The House of Representatives had struggles passing hemp regulations earlier this year.

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