Full Breakdown
South Carolina Advances to Elite Eight with Victory Over Oklahoma
3/29/2026, 6:01:30 AM
Match Overview
In a decisive Sweet 16 matchup, the top-seeded South Carolina Gamecocks defeated the fourth-seeded Oklahoma Sooners 94-68 on March 28, 2023, at the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. This victory propels South Carolina into the Elite Eight of the women's NCAA tournament, where they will face the winner of the TCU-Virginia game.
Key Performers
Ta'Niya Latson emerged as a standout player, scoring 28 points, while Raven Johnson contributed 18 points to the Gamecocks' success. Despite a scoreless first half from Joyce Edwards, South Carolina maintained a strong offensive presence, leading 47-28 at halftime. Edwards later scored eight points and secured nine rebounds, helping to solidify the Gamecocks' lead in the second half.
Oklahoma's Aaliyah Chavez and Raegan Beers were notable for the Sooners, scoring 21 and 14 points, respectively. However, their efforts were not enough to overcome South Carolina's offensive firepower.
Game Dynamics
South Carolina's early dominance was marked by a 10-0 run, with Latson scoring eight of the first ten points. The Gamecocks capitalized on Oklahoma's turnovers, particularly in the second quarter, where the Sooners struggled to maintain possession. Oklahoma's defense faltered, allowing South Carolina to exploit mismatches and build a significant lead.
In their previous encounter earlier in the season, Oklahoma had handed South Carolina its only Southeastern Conference loss, winning 94-82 in overtime. This rematch showcased South Carolina's adjustments and improved performance, particularly in offensive execution and defensive resilience.
Tactical Insights
The Gamecocks' strategy involved aggressive offensive plays and effective rebounding, which proved crucial against Oklahoma's fast-paced style. South Carolina's ability to adapt and focus on defensive matchups was highlighted by their efforts to contain Beers, who had previously dominated in their earlier meeting.
Oklahoma's coach, Jennie Baranczyk, acknowledged the challenges posed by South Carolina's balanced attack, emphasizing the need for her team to maintain focus and execution throughout the game. Despite their efforts, the Sooners struggled to keep pace with South Carolina's scoring efficiency.
Official Statements & Responses
Following the game, South Carolina's coach and players expressed satisfaction with their performance, particularly in overcoming the challenges posed by Oklahoma's offense. Latson noted the importance of mental preparation and focus, stating, "We can’t be the first one that gets hit. We’ve got to hit first."
What's Next
With this victory, South Carolina (34-3) continues its pursuit of a national championship, having reached the national semifinals in six of the past eight Final Fours. The Gamecocks will face the winner of the TCU-Virginia matchup, aiming for another opportunity to compete for the title.
