South Carolina, Dawn Staley get big Ta'Niya Latson game in Sweet 16

Latson scores 28 points in her tournament debut as Gamecocks advance

Mar. 29, 2026 at 1:52am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

South Carolina women's basketball coach Dawn Staley saw star transfer Ta'Niya Latson score 28 points in her Sweet 16 debut, a performance Staley will need Latson to replicate if the Gamecocks are to achieve their March Madness goals.

Why it matters

Latson's breakout performance in the tournament comes at a crucial time for South Carolina, the defending national champions who are looking to repeat. Staley has built the Gamecocks into a perennial powerhouse, and Latson's ability to step up in big moments will be key to their title hopes.

The details

In her first-ever NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 game, Latson poured in 28 points to lead South Carolina to a victory and a spot in the Elite Eight. The junior transfer from Florida State has emerged as a go-to scorer for the Gamecocks this season after sitting out last year due to NCAA transfer rules.

  • The Sweet 16 matchup took place on March 28, 2026 in Sacramento, California.

The players

Ta'Niya Latson

A junior transfer from Florida State who has emerged as a star scorer for the South Carolina Gamecocks women's basketball team.

Dawn Staley

The head coach of the South Carolina Gamecocks women's basketball team, who has built the program into a perennial national power.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Ta'Niya really stepped up for us tonight. We're going to need that kind of performance from her again if we want to keep advancing.”

— Dawn Staley, Head Coach, South Carolina Gamecocks

What’s next

South Carolina will face the winner of the matchup between UCLA and UConn in the Elite Eight, with a spot in the Final Four on the line.

The takeaway

Latson's breakout game in the Sweet 16 demonstrates the depth of talent on the South Carolina roster and the team's potential to repeat as national champions. Her ability to perform at a high level in the biggest moments will be crucial as the Gamecocks continue their quest for another title.