NCAA Confirms Conclusion of Okot Eligibility – University of South Carolina Athletics The NCAA has officially concluded that Madina Okot, a senior center for the University of South Carolina Gamecocks, has exhausted her collegiate eligibility. The decision follows the denial of a season of competition waiver submitted by the team, marking the end of Okot’s NCAA career. The ruling underscores the conclusion of her time as a student-athlete, despite her significant contributions to the program. South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley reflected on Okot’s impact during her brief tenure with the team, highlighting her determination and growth. “Early in her basketball career, Madina made courageous choices not just to pursue just the sport, but also to better her life,” Staley said. “Her path included just a short time with us in Columbia, but we are grateful to be part of her story. She made our team and our sport better.” Staley’s comments emphasize the respect the coaching staff holds for Okot’s journey, even as her eligibility came to an end. Okot’s two seasons at South Carolina were marked by exceptional performance, establishing her as one of the top centers in the nation. During the 2025-2026 season, she ranked third nationally in double-doubles, tallying 22 such games. Her rebounding averages placed her 16th in the country at 10.6 per game, while her field goal percentage of .575 ranked her 19th nationally. These numbers reflect her ability to dominate the paint and contribute consistently to the Gamecocks’ success. Okot’s accolades extended beyond individual statistics. She was named to the All-SEC Second Team, a testament to her impact on the conference level. Her rebounding prowess was particularly notable, as she became the Gamecocks’ top rebounder in 29 of her 39 games played.#ncaa #dawn_staley #gamecocks #university_of_south_carolina #madina_okot
UCLA Entering NCAA Title Game with 'Businesslike' Mindset PHOENIX — UCLA’s journey to its first NCAA championship game has been marked by a shift in mindset, as head coach Cori Close emphasized a strategic, focused approach to the final showdown against South Carolina. The Bruins, making their debut in the national title game, have drawn on lessons from their 2023 Final Four run, where they fell in the semifinals. Close described the team’s current preparation as a stark contrast to last year’s experience, highlighting how the team’s maturity and planning have evolved. The 2024 season has been a transformative chapter for UCLA, with the Bruins advancing to the title game after a 51-44 victory over Texas in the semifinals. Close noted that the team’s approach this year has been fundamentally different from the previous year, when they were “reacting to everything” rather than anticipating challenges. “Last year, we were reacting to everything, not anticipating,” she said during a press conference. “Whereas now that we have been a part of this, it just was a totally different planning experience. I just felt like we were able to be more strategic in how we put our players in position to be successful.” The Bruins’ preparation has also been influenced by the experiences of returning players from the 2023 Final Four. Close mentioned that several veterans shared insights with newer team members, helping to shape the team’s mindset. “That makes all the difference in the world,” she said, underscoring the value of mentorship and continuity. South Carolina, the Bruins’ title game opponent, presents a formidable challenge. The Gamecocks have made six consecutive Final Four appearances and are set to play in their fourth national title game.#ucla #south_carolina #gamecocks #cori_close #gabriela_jaquez
South Carolina delivered one of the most lopsided victories in women’s NCAA tournament history with a 103-34 first-round win over No. 16 Southern. The Gamecocks’ performance shattered their own record for the largest margin of victory in NCAA tournament history, joining an elite group of six games with a greater point differential. The game, played on Saturday, marked a dominant display of skill and execution, with South Carolina extending its lead in the third quarter to 55 points after outscoring Southern 32-2. Joyce Edwards led the charge with 27 points, shooting 90% from the field and missing just three attempts. Every one of the nine players who suited up for South Carolina contributed at least one point and played 14 minutes or more, showcasing the team’s depth and cohesion. The Gamecocks built a 25-point halftime advantage, which they expanded dramatically in the third quarter. Southern struggled to contain the Gamecocks’ offense, with the Jaguars converting just 1 of 15 shots in the quarter and missing eight attempts in the paint. This victory marked South Carolina’s second-largest margin in NCAA tournament history, following their 108-48 win over No. 16 Tennessee Tech in the 2025 first round. The Gamecocks also set a record in 2022 with a 79-21 win over Howard. However, their latest performance surpassed both, cementing their place in tournament lore. The game’s staggering 69-point gap remains the largest in South Carolina’s NCAA tournament history, though it falls short of the all-time record. The biggest blowout in women’s NCAA tournament history occurred nine years ago when Baylor defeated Texas Southern 119-30, a 89-point margin. That game surpassed the previous record set by UConn’s 140-52 victory over Saint Francis (PA) in 2018.#south_carolina #ncaa_tournament #southern #joyce_edwards #gamecocks
