South Carolina Women's Basketball Faces Injury Concerns Ahead of Tennessee Matchup

Coach Dawn Staley is keeping the status of three starting guards uncertain for the big SEC game.

Feb. 8, 2026 at 2:55pm

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South Carolina women's basketball coach Dawn Staley is keeping the injury status of three starting guards - Ta'Niya Latson, Agot Makeer, and Tessa Johnson - uncertain ahead of the team's upcoming game against Tennessee. Staley has provided limited details on the players' injuries, saying more information will be available in the SEC injury report closer to the game. The coach also commented on the progress of freshman Alicia Tournebize, who has been adjusting to the faster pace of the college game.

Why it matters

South Carolina is currently ranked No. 3 in the nation and is set to host No. 17 Tennessee in a key SEC matchup. The availability of the team's starting guards could have a major impact on the outcome of the game, which has significant implications for the Gamecocks' conference and national title hopes.

The details

Latson, a star guard for the Gamecocks, was listed as questionable for the Tennessee game after missing the team's last two games with a knee injury. Makeer also left an earlier game with an unspecified lower leg injury and has missed recent contests. Johnson was held out of the second half of a recent win over Mississippi State due to soreness. Staley has provided limited details on the players' statuses, saying more information will be available closer to the game. Meanwhile, freshman Tournebize has been adjusting to the faster pace of the college game, averaging 4 points, 2.4 rebounds and 3 fouls per game. Staley said she doesn't mind Tournebize's foul trouble, as it shows the player is 'fighting back'.

  • The SEC injury report that will provide the latest update on the South Carolina players' status will be released on Feb. 7 at 8:10 p.m. ET.
  • The South Carolina vs. Tennessee game is scheduled for Feb. 8 at 3 p.m. ET.

The players

Dawn Staley

The head coach of the South Carolina women's basketball team.

Ta'Niya Latson

A star guard for the South Carolina Gamecocks women's basketball team who has missed the team's last two games with a knee injury.

Agot Makeer

A starting guard for the South Carolina Gamecocks women's basketball team who has missed recent games due to an unspecified lower leg injury.

Tessa Johnson

A starting guard for the South Carolina Gamecocks women's basketball team who was held out of the second half of a recent game due to soreness.

Alicia Tournebize

A 6-foot-7 freshman forward for the South Carolina Gamecocks women's basketball team who is adjusting to the faster pace of the college game.

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What they’re saying

“Definitely out two days out, everybody's full go for right now.”

— Dawn Staley, Head Coach, South Carolina Gamecocks

“I actually don't mind because that means she's fighting back.”

— Dawn Staley, Head Coach, South Carolina Gamecocks

“What I did like was her ability to play with four fouls. She played a long stretch with four fouls. So every step she's learning, growing and she's acclimating.”

— Dawn Staley, Head Coach, South Carolina Gamecocks

What’s next

The SEC injury report that will provide the latest update on the South Carolina players' status will be released on Feb. 7 at 8:10 p.m. ET, just a day before the big game against Tennessee.

The takeaway

South Carolina's depth and ability to overcome injuries will be tested in this key SEC matchup against Tennessee. Coach Staley's ability to manage the team's injury situation and get key players back on the court could be the difference in determining the outcome of the game and the Gamecocks' conference and national title aspirations.