No. 3 South Carolina hosts No. 17 Tennessee in key SEC matchup

Gamecocks look to overcome injuries to key players against Lady Vols

Feb. 7, 2026 at 4:31am

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The No. 3 South Carolina Gamecocks women's basketball team is set to host the No. 17 Tennessee Lady Vols in a crucial SEC matchup. The Gamecocks are dealing with injuries to several key players, including guards Tessa Johnson, Ta'Niya Latson, and Agot Makeer, which could impact their ability to handle Tennessee's defensive pressure. The Lady Vols are coming off an overtime win against Georgia and will look to continue their strong conference play against the highly-ranked Gamecocks.

Why it matters

This game is an important SEC showdown between two top-20 teams. South Carolina is looking to maintain its position atop the conference standings, while Tennessee is aiming to pick up a marquee road win. The outcome could have significant implications for both teams' NCAA Tournament seeding and positioning in the SEC race.

The details

South Carolina has won 23 of its 25 games this season, including a 103-74 victory over then-No. 4 Vanderbilt on January 25. However, the Gamecocks have been dealing with injuries to several key players, including guards Tessa Johnson, Ta'Niya Latson, and Agot Makeer. Tennessee, led by first-year head coach Kim Caldwell, is 15-5 overall and 7-1 in SEC play. The Lady Vols are coming off an overtime win against Georgia and will look to continue their strong conference performance against the highly-ranked Gamecocks.

  • The game is scheduled for February 8, 2026 at 3:00 PM ET.
  • South Carolina last played on February 5, 2026, defeating Mississippi State 88-45.
  • Tennessee's most recent game was a February 5, 2026 overtime win against Georgia.

The players

Dawn Staley

Head coach of the South Carolina Gamecocks women's basketball team.

Kim Caldwell

First-year head coach of the Tennessee Lady Vols women's basketball team.

Tessa Johnson

Starting guard for the South Carolina Gamecocks who has been dealing with a minor injury.

Ta'Niya Latson

Starting guard for the South Carolina Gamecocks who has missed the last two games with a lower leg injury.

Agot Makeer

Starting guard for the South Carolina Gamecocks who has also missed the last two games with a lower leg injury.

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What they’re saying

“She's just a little sore so we opted to keep her out and get her ready for the Tennessee game.”

— Dawn Staley, Head coach, South Carolina Gamecocks

“In their 77-62 loss to Mississippi State, the Lady Vols were outrebounded 50-31. South Carolina can take control if it keeps them off the boards.”

— Kim Caldwell, Head coach, Tennessee Lady Vols

What’s next

The SEC injury report will be published on February 7 at 8:10 PM ET and updated on February 8, providing the most official update on the status of the injured South Carolina players.

The takeaway

This SEC matchup between two top-20 teams will come down to how South Carolina manages its injuries and whether Tennessee can overcome its rebounding and turnover issues. The outcome could have significant implications for both teams' NCAA Tournament positioning.