South Carolina Clinches Fifth Straight SEC Title with Dominant Win Over Missouri

Gamecocks' Okot and Edwards lead the way in 112-71 victory

Feb. 28, 2026 at 12:00am

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The No. 3 South Carolina Gamecocks clinched their fifth consecutive Southeastern Conference regular-season title with a decisive 112-71 win over the Missouri Tigers on Thursday night. Led by standout performances from center Madina Okot (26 points, 17 rebounds) and guard Joyce Edwards (23 points), the Gamecocks improved to 28-2 overall and 14-1 in SEC play this season.

Why it matters

South Carolina has been the dominant force in the SEC over the past five seasons, compiling a 76-3 record against conference opponents during that span. The Gamecocks' latest title-clinching victory showcases their depth and talent, as they were able to win handily even without their best outside shooter, Tessa Johnson, who sat out with an injury.

The details

The Gamecocks jumped out to a 33-13 lead after the first quarter, thanks in large part to Okot's 12 points and seven rebounds. Edwards also had a strong first half, scoring 17 of her 23 points before the break. Missouri, which had beaten South Carolina earlier this season, had no answer for the Gamecocks' deep and talented front line.

  • The Gamecocks clinched the SEC regular-season title on Thursday, February 26, 2026.
  • South Carolina has now won the SEC title for five consecutive seasons.

The players

Madina Okot

South Carolina's starting center, who transferred from Mississippi State, had a dominant performance with 26 points and 17 rebounds.

Joyce Edwards

South Carolina's starting guard, who is averaging a team-best 20.1 points per game, scored 23 points in the win.

Tessa Johnson

South Carolina's starting guard and best outside shooter, who missed the game due to an upper-body injury.

Ta'Niya Latson

South Carolina's starting guard, who scored 17 points in the game.

Raven Johnson

South Carolina's starting guard, who scored 16 points and was honored on Senior Night.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

The takeaway

South Carolina's continued dominance in the SEC, winning their fifth straight regular-season title, solidifies their status as one of the premier women's basketball programs in the country. The Gamecocks' depth and talent, even without their best shooter, proved too much for Missouri to handle, setting them up for a potential deep run in the NCAA Tournament.