Freshman Agot Makeer shines for South Carolina in March Madness

Makeer scores career-high 18 points to help Gamecocks reach sixth straight Final Four

Mar. 31, 2026 at 9:07am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

South Carolina women's basketball freshman guard Agot Makeer had a breakout performance in the Gamecocks' 78-52 Elite Eight win over TCU, scoring a career-high 18 points. Makeer has averaged 14.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 2.8 steals per game in the NCAA Tournament, helping South Carolina reach its sixth consecutive Final Four appearance.

Why it matters

Makeer's emergence as a key contributor has been crucial for South Carolina, which has dealt with injuries to key players throughout the season. Her strong play in the tournament has helped the Gamecocks maintain their status as one of the top teams in the country and a favorite to win the national championship.

The details

After being in and out of the lineup due to injuries earlier in the season, Makeer found her groove in the NCAA Tournament. In the win over TCU, she shot 8-for-14 from the field and added four rebounds, three assists and three steals. Across South Carolina's first four tournament games, Makeer is averaging 14.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 2.8 steals while shooting 55.5% from the floor.

  • Makeer missed almost all of December due to being in concussion protocol, missing five games.
  • In early February, Makeer missed three games in a row after suffering a lower leg injury.
  • Makeer scored a career-high 18 points in South Carolina's 78-52 Elite Eight win over TCU on March 30.
  • South Carolina will face UConn in the Final Four on April 3 (7 p.m. ET, ESPN).

The players

Agot Makeer

A freshman guard for the South Carolina women's basketball team who has emerged as a key contributor in the NCAA Tournament, averaging 14.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 2.8 steals per game while shooting 55.5% from the field.

Dawn Staley

The head coach of the South Carolina women's basketball team, who has led the Gamecocks to six consecutive Final Four appearances.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I'm just proud. Just proud. I could see how talented she is. Like super talented. … She's playing lights out. She's making great basketball plays on both sides of the ball.”

— Dawn Staley, Head Coach, South Carolina Women's Basketball

“Starting in the SEC Tournament I just started approaching games differently, and I feel like it wasn't just one-dimensional thinking. I just wanted to go and do whatever I can to get the team to win. So just in this tournament, I've just thought whatever I can do to get this team a win is what I need to do.”

— Agot Makeer

What’s next

South Carolina will face No. 1 seed UConn in the Final Four at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on April 3 (7 p.m. ET, ESPN).

The takeaway

Agot Makeer's breakout performance in the NCAA Tournament has been a key factor in South Carolina's run to the Final Four. Her ability to step up and make an impact on both ends of the floor has been crucial for the Gamecocks, who have dealt with injuries to key players throughout the season.