South Carolina Women's Basketball to Face Coppin State in Season Opener

Dawn Staley's Gamecocks Begin Title Defense

The University of South Carolina women's basketball team will open its 2022-23 season on Monday, November 7, against Coppin State University at Colonial Life Arena. The game is scheduled to tip off at 7 p.m. ET and will be streamed live on SEC Network+.

Dynamic Gamecocks Seek Repeat Performance

The Gamecocks are coming off a historic season in which they won their second national championship in program history. Dawn Staley was named the Naismith National Coach of the Year, and Aliyah Boston was named the Naismith National Player of the Year.

Coppin State Eager to Upset Gamecocks

Coppin State is coming off a 10-20 season in 2021-22. The Eagles are led by head coach Laura Harper, who is entering her fifth season at the helm. Coppin State will be looking to make a statement against the defending national champions.

Gamecock Outlook

The Gamecocks return four starters from last year's championship team, including Boston, Zia Cooke, Brea Beal, and Laeticia Amihere. They also added several talented newcomers, including freshmen Raven Johnson and Ashlyn Watkins.

Coppin State Outlook

The Eagles return three starters from last year's team, including senior guard Jalynda Salley. They also added several new players, including junior college transfer Nendah Tarke.

Keys to the Game

The Gamecocks will need to play their usual suffocating defense and control the tempo of the game. Coppin State will need to hit shots from the outside and make the Gamecocks pay for their mistakes.

Prediction

The Gamecocks are the heavy favorites in this game. They are the defending national champions and have a much more talented roster than Coppin State. However, the Eagles are a well-coached team and could make things interesting if they can hit shots from the outside.