South Carolina Dominates Oklahoma in Sweet 16 Showdown, Ushering Gamecocks to Elite Eight

South Carolina beat Oklahoma 77-55 in the Sweet 16 round of the 2026 Women’s NCAA Tournament. The Gamecocks took control early and kept their lead throughout the game.

South Carolina’s Revenge Tour Takes Center Stage

South Carolina entered the Sweet 16 with something to prove. Earlier this season, Oklahoma had handed the Gamecocks their second loss, a tough 94-82 overtime defeat back in January. Freshman Aaliyah Chavez stole the show that night, dropping 26 points with 15 during overtime, including four 3-pointers that sealed a rare upset over a top-ranked opponent. The stakes were high — South Carolina was out for more than just a win; they wanted payback.

And payback they got. From the opening tip, South Carolina’s guards Ta'Niya Latson and Raven Johnson asserted themselves. Latson, despite this being her first Sweet 16 appearance, looked like a seasoned star with 18 points by halftime. Meanwhile, Johnson kept the pressure on, delivering 16 points on efficient shooting, including multiple 3-pointers. The Gamecocks raced to a 47-28 halftime lead, holding Oklahoma to just 33% shooting from the field and a dismal 2-of-9 from beyond the arc.

Tessa Johnson Takes Over in Third Quarter

South Carolina’s momentum didn’t slow down after halftime. Tessa Johnson came alive in the third quarter, pouring in nine of her 12 points within the first five minutes. She shot an impressive 5-of-6 overall, hitting every shot she took from the 3-point line. Her hot streak helped the Gamecocks extend their lead to 62-38 with just over five minutes left in the quarter, effectively putting the game out of reach.

Oklahoma struggled to find answers. Despite coming in ranked second nationally in rebounding, they were outmatched on the boards and couldn’t sustain offensive rhythm. No Sooners player reached double digits in scoring, proof of South Carolina’s defensive intensity and control.

Team Unity and Symbols of Confidence

South Carolina showed their strength both on and off the court. Senior Chloe Kitts, sidelined due to injury, made a statement from the bench by wearing a hoodie declaring, “Who can guard Tessa?” The phrase, originally a viral line from LSU coach Kim Mulkey, has become a rallying cry for the Gamecocks centered on Tessa Johnson’s impact.

The hoodie wasn’t just about team spirit; it showed how the squad supports its stars and draws energy from that.

But after this performance, the Gamecocks might need a new slogan. Raven Johnson’s 16 points and efficient shooting put her in the spotlight, making “Who can guard Raven?” just as relevant. The combination of these two guards kept Oklahoma off balance all game long.

Looking Ahead: South Carolina’s Road to the Elite Eight

With this commanding victory, South Carolina moves on to the Elite Eight, continuing their pursuit of a national championship. Joyce Edwards, who has averaged nearly a double-double with 25 points and nine rebounds through the tournament, remains a key piece of their success. The Gamecocks’ ability to break the century mark in points in both previous tournament games shows their offensive firepower is in full gear.

Oklahoma, meanwhile, ends their impressive tournament run. Their earlier wins over top teams like Michigan State and Idaho demonstrated their potential, but the Gamecocks’ depth and firepower proved too much on this night.

South Carolina’s win sends a strong message to the rest of the tournament: they’re back and playing better than ever. The question now is who can stop them?

With sharpshooting guards and strong rebounding, South Carolina has positioned itself as a top contender in the Women’s NCAA Tournament. Their Sweet 16 win over Oklahoma wasn’t just a victory — it showed how serious they are this year.