The top-ranked South Carolina women’s basketball team will look to continue its unbeaten start to the season tonight when the Gamecocks travel to Clemson for a highly anticipated showdown with their in-state rivals.
Head coach Dawn Staley and the Gamecocks enter the contest with a 2-0 record after picking up impressive victories over two nationally ranked opponents to begin the 2026-27 season.
South Carolina opened the season with a 101-93 victory over No. 20 Maryland in Paris, France, before turning in a dominating defensive performance against No. 12 North Carolina on Sunday.
The Gamecocks rolled past the Tar Heels 84-39 in Charlotte, holding North Carolina to just 25 percent shooting from the field while forcing 24 turnovers. South Carolina also controlled the boards, outrebounding the Tar Heels 48-33.
Tonight’s matchup will feature two unbeaten teams, as Clemson enters the contest riding a three-game winning streak under head coach Shawn Poppie.
The Tigers are coming off a 72-44 victory over UNC Greensboro on Sunday. Edie Clarke led Clemson with 15 points and 11 rebounds, while Jenna Lawrence added 12 points, connecting on four three-pointers.
South Carolina has dominated the rivalry in recent years and holds a 38-32 advantage in the all-time series. The Gamecocks defeated Clemson 65-37 last season.
Clemson will be looking for its first victory over South Carolina since 2009, when the Tigers pulled out a 94-92 win.
For Staley and the Gamecocks, tonight’s contest represents another opportunity to continue building chemistry with a roster featuring a combination of returning veterans and talented newcomers.
Following tonight’s rivalry matchup, South Carolina will face another major early-season challenge Sunday when the Gamecocks take on No. 3 Southern California in Greenville.
South Carolina and Clemson tip off tonight at 7 p.m. from Littlejohn Coliseum, with television coverage on ESPN2.
