Oklahoma
South Carolina
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (03/27/2026) — The South Carolina Gamecocks delivered a commanding offensive performance Friday, defeating the Oklahoma Sooners 94-68 at the Golden 1 Center. Firing on all cylinders from the opening tip, the Gamecocks showcased elite-level shooting and ball movement, leaving no doubt about the outcome in a game they never trailed.
South Carolina established control immediately and never relinquished it. The Gamecocks shot a blistering 51% from the field and an incredible 71% from three-point range, complemented by 21 assists on 35 made baskets. Oklahoma fought to keep pace but ultimately succumbed to the relentless offensive pressure, shooting 39% from the field and committing 15 turnovers.
How It Happened
The game's trajectory was set in the opening minutes. Guard Ta'Niya Latson scored the first five points for South Carolina, hitting a jumper at the 9:42 mark followed by a 24-foot three-pointer less than a minute later. That sparked a dominant first quarter where the Gamecocks built a lead that proved insurmountable. A barrage of three-pointers from Madina Okot, Tessa Johnson, and Raven Johnson stretched the advantage to 23-11 before Oklahoma's Aaliyah Chavez cut it to 23-13 with a layup just before the quarter expired.
The second quarter offered more of the same. Agot Makeer and Raven Johnson connected on back-to-back threes to push the lead to 33-15 with 7:23 left in the half. The Sooners struggled to find consistent offense against South Carolina's active defense. Latson punctuated the half with a final flurry, sinking a 24-foot three-pointer while being fouled and converting the free throw for a four-point play, sending the Gamecocks into the locker room with a commanding 47-28 lead.
Oklahoma attempted to rally in the third quarter, with Payton Verhulst and Chavez hitting from beyond the arc. However, for every Sooners basket, the Gamecocks had an answer. Tessa Johnson's 26-foot three-pointer at the 5:35 mark extended the lead to 60-38, halting any potential Oklahoma momentum. A tip-in by Madina Okot at the buzzer gave South Carolina a 68-49 lead heading into the final frame.
South Carolina put the game away for good early in the fourth. Latson connected on another deep three-pointer with 8:51 remaining to swell the lead to 25 points at 74-49. From there, the Gamecocks managed the clock and cruised to the decisive 26-point victory.
Turning Point
The game was decided before it truly began. South Carolina opened with a 10-2 run and never looked back. With zero lead changes and zero ties, the Gamecocks' initial offensive burst set a tone the Sooners could never match. The first-quarter three-point assault, where multiple players contributed, demonstrated a level of offensive firepower that established complete control and forced Oklahoma into a reactive posture for all 40 minutes.
Star of the Game
Ta'Niya Latson was the undeniable engine for the South Carolina offense. The guard finished with a game-high 28 points and dished out 5 assists, consistently creating scoring opportunities for herself and her teammates. Latson was lethal from long range, hitting multiple critical three-pointers that fueled the Gamecocks' early runs and put the game out of reach. Her four-point play to close the second quarter encapsulated a brilliant individual performance.
What It Means
For the South Carolina Gamecocks, this was a statement win. The offensive efficiency, particularly the 71% mark from three-point land, signals that they are a formidable contender. The team's unselfish play, reflected in the 21-to-9 assist advantage, proves their ability to dismantle opponents with precise execution. This dominant performance provides significant momentum as they continue their postseason journey.
For the Oklahoma Sooners, the loss marks a difficult end to a competitive season. Aaliyah Chavez led the effort with 21 points, while forward Raegan Beers added 14 points and 8 rebounds. Despite their efforts, the Sooners were simply outgunned by one of the nation's most potent offenses. The game highlighted the offensive gap Oklahoma faced against an elite SEC opponent, serving as a tough lesson for a squad that battled all year.