South Carolina, ranked third nationally in both the Associated Press and Coaches polls, is gearing up for an important road contest against Arkansas on Thursday, January 8. The matchup is set to tip off at 7:30 p.m. Eastern Time at Bud Walton Arena, with the game available for streaming on SECN+. As the season progresses into January, the Gamecocks look to extend their impressive winning streak and continue showcasing their elite defensive and offensive capabilities that have become their hallmark this year. With a formidable roster and a well-rounded team effort, South Carolina aims to solidify its position at the top of the SEC standings, facing a tough Arkansas team in what promises to be an exciting game.
South Carolina’s Defensive Prowess Continues to Define the Season
The strength of South Carolina’s team this season lies predominantly in its stifling defense, which has consistently kept opponents on their heels. Defense has always been a core component of the Gamecocks’ identity, and this year is no different. Their ability to limit scoring and control the paint has been a significant factor in their undefeated streak and overall success.
Top-Ranking Defensive Metrics
The Gamecocks are among the best in the nation in several defensive categories. They rank fifth nationally in field goal percentage defense, allowing opponents to shoot just 32.1 percent from the field. Their ability to contest shots and force tough looks has been a key to their defensive stability. Additionally, they rank 16th in scoring defense, holding opponents to an average of just 53.9 points per game, which is remarkably low in the modern college basketball landscape. This defensive resilience is a testament to their disciplined approach, well-coordinated team schemes, and relentless effort on each possession.
Rebounding and Shot Contesting
Rebounding is another area where South Carolina excels. The team secures 43.3 percent of their own missed shots—ranking eighth nationwide—and in SEC play, that figure holds strong at 40.5 percent. Their rebounding prowess allows them to limit second-chance scoring opportunities for opponents and generate additional possessions on offense.
Madina Okot has been particularly instrumental in the rebounding effort, averaging 4.2 offensive rebounds per game, placing her 15th nationally. In SEC games, her offensive rebounding number jumps to an SEC-best 7.0 per contest. South Carolina’s ability to crash the boards consistently creates additional opportunities to score and dampens opponents’ chances.
Offensive Efficiency and Key Players
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While defense has been their calling card, the Gamecocks’ offensive efficiency has also been impressive this season. They hold a near-perfect field goal percentage of .527, which ranks second nationally. Their scoring efficiency is particularly prominent at the beginning and closing stages of games, with shooting percentages of 55.9 percent in the first quarter and 54.2 percent in the fourth.
Leadership from Senior Guard Raven Johnson
South Carolina’s senior point guard Raven Johnson has been instrumental in orchestrating the offense and providing leadership. During SEC contests, she averages 17.0 points per game, ranking 13th in the conference. Her shooting percentage of 52.4 percent is 6th in the SEC, and she’s hitting 40.0 percent from three-point range—highlighting her versatility as a scorer.
Her contribution extends beyond scoring; she is tied for the team lead with 3.5 assists per SEC game, demonstrating her playmaking ability. Over the entire season, Johnson is posting career-best numbers with an average of 10.0 points per game on 50.4 percent shooting overall and 39.0 percent from three. Her dual-threat presence keeps defenses honest and provides stability for the team’s offensive flow.
Frontcourt Powerhouses and Supporting Cast
South Carolina’s starting frontcourt features Madina Okot and Joyce Edwards, who are among the most efficient scorers in the nation. Okot and Edwards rank 11th and 12th in the country respectively in field goal percentage, with Edwards averaging 21.0 points per game—a figure that ranks 12th nationally—and Okot contributing 11.5 rebounds per game, placing her seventh nationally.
Tessa Johnson, a junior, has also demonstrated her veteran presence with consistent offensive numbers. She boasts an SEC-leading 45.0 percent shooting from the field, with an overall shooting percentage of 49.0 percent, placing her 13th in the SEC. Johnson averages 13.4 points per game and a career-high 2.9 assists, all while providing reliable leadership in clutch moments.
Sophomore Maddy McDaniel has stepped into larger roles early in SEC play, averaging nearly 30 minutes per game and contributing 6.0 points and 3.5 assists per game last week. Her assist-to-turnover ratio of 2.33 makes her an efficient facilitator and a key piece in the team’s depth chart.
Kay, The Numbers and Rivalry Overview
South Carolina’s dominance over Arkansas is evident in the historical series, where they lead 28-18 overall. Since the dawn of the Dawn Staley era in 2008-09, the Gamecocks have maintained a dominant 21-4 record against Arkansas. Their success extends to recent matchups, including a commanding 95-55 victory in Columbia last season. The series is evenly split in Fayetteville, with a 10-10 record in those matchups, although South Carolina has won the last ten games, including their last trip on February 29, 2024, when they beat Arkansas 98-61. That game featured 12 points from then-freshman Tessa Johnson, who shot a perfect 4-of-5 from three-point range.
Looking ahead, the Gamecocks aim to continue their winning streak in the series and secure their ninth victory in the last ten meetings, bolstering their bid for SEC supremacy.
Transformative Style and Fast-Break Prowess
One of South Carolina’s fastest-growing strengths this season is their transition game and ability to score quickly on the break. The team ranks second in the nation with an average of 25.2 fast break points per game, a significant jump from their previous season average of 17.1 and a new program record of 18.0 set in 2023-24.
Their high-tempo style was exemplified in their season-high 56 fast break points against Queens on November 23, which ranks as the third-most in school history. South Carolina’s skill at pushing the pace and scoring on the run has created additional scoring opportunities and greatly contributed to their overall offensive efficiency, out-scoring opponents by an average of 18.2 points per game on the break.
This emphasis on transition offense complements their defensive strengths, enabling them to extend leads quickly and keep opponents under constant pressure.
Looking Ahead to the Arkansas Matchup
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As they prepare for their encounter in Fayetteville, South Carolina’s focus remains on maintaining their defensive intensity and offensive efficiency. The combination of elite rebounding, disciplined defense, and dynamic transition play makes them a difficult team to beat on any night. The game against Arkansas is expected to test their resilience and cohesiveness, especially against a Razorbacks squad capable of challenging their defense and pushing for a series upset.
In the big picture, the Gamecocks continue to aim for a deep run in the NCAA tournament, and ongoing conference success will be essential. With key players contributing across all facets—ranging from Johnson’s leadership, Edwards and Okot’s scoring efficiency, to McDaniel’s playmaking—they are well-positioned to sustain their top-tier performance as the season unfolds.
Overall, South Carolina remains a formidable opponent with a balanced mix of stifling defense, efficient offense, and strategic transition play, making them a favorite to keep climbing the national ranks as the 2026 season progresses.
