The No. 3 South Carolina Gamecocks will be hosting the Missouri Tigers on Thursday night at the Colonial Life Arena. A South Carolina victory would seal the deal for the team to win the SEC regular season title on Senior Night. In an atmosphere touted to be electric at the Colonial Life Arena, how would this matchup actually pan out? Let’s find out.
Prediction
There is a stark difference between Dawn Staley’s South Carolina and Kellie Harper’s Missouri that needs to be gauged before assessing this matchup. The Gamecocks have been dominant as ever, with a 27-2 overall record and 13-1 in the SEC, leading the conference in standings. On the other hand, the Missouri Tigers have an underwhelming 16-13 record and are 4-10 in the SEC. While the Gamecocks are coming off an 85-48 win against Ole Miss, Missouri is struggling to cope with a four-game losing streak and a 108-55 blowout loss at the hands of Kim Mulkey’s LSU.
The Gamecocks can once again rely on their star forward Joyce Edwards, averaging 20.1 points per game this season. Edwards has been the engine behind South Carolina’s dominant offense and the reason why the Gamecocks have been able to boast their dominance this season in the SEC. On the other hand, Raven Johnson remains the team’s lockout defender alongside Tessa Johnson, offering elite shooting from the deep and perimeter defense. Ta’Niya Latson, Raven Johnson, and Tessa Johnson’s backcourt is one of the most dominant guard trios of this season.
For Mizzou, Grace Slaughter has been the sole dominant force, averaging 18.8 points and 6.6 rebounds. However, despite her giving it all, the Tigers have struggled to perform on the road this season. They are being outscored by 2.4 points per game with a -69 overall scoring differential this season.
This matchup appears heavily lopsided in South Carolina’s favor. ESPN’s matchup predictor estimates a 99% chance for the Gamecocks to win this game.
Lineups
South Carolina Lineup
- Raven Johnson
- Tessa Johnson
- Ta’Niya Latson
- Joyce Edwards
- Madina Okot
Missouri Lineup
- Ashton Judd
- Hayley Frank
- Grace Slaughter
- Abby Farner
- Brynn Brewington
Injury Report
The Missouri Tigers have no injuries to report and are expected to field in full strength. The Gamecocks, however, will be without forward Chole Kitts, who is out for the season with an ACL tear, alongside Adhel Tac. However, despite the absence of some of their star players, the Gamecocks have rarely missed a beat, appearing dominant as ever.
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