COLUMBIA — South Carolina women’s basketball will be without starting guard Ta’Niya Latson in its SEC opener.
The No. 3 Gamecocks (13-1) host Alabama (14-0) on Jan. 1 (2 p.m., SEC Network+). Latson went down with an apparent ankle injury in the second quarter of the 96-55 win over Providence on Dec. 28.
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South Carolina coach Dawn Staley ruled her out on Dec. 31. An official SEC injury report will publish every night before each conference game.
“Take it day by day,” Staley said when asked if she’ll play on Jan. 4 at Florida. “I’m hoping, we’re praying. If not, we got to keep going.”
Ta’Niya Latson injury update
Latson had to be helped off the court, and didn’t put any pressure on her left foot when walking into the locker room. According to Staley after the game, Latson got treatment during the second half which is why she didn’t return to the bench.
“She’s happy, she’s smiling,” Staley said Dec. 28. “She got treatment in the second half and just walked out. We’ll look at her tomorrow.”
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The senior guard had 10 points and shot 4-of-5 from the field before exiting the game. She’s averaging 16.9 points this season, second on the team behind Joyce Edwards who is averaging 21.4.
“Ta’Niya is going to be a big piece that we miss but it’s next man up,” starting point guard Raven Johnson said. “I think everyone on this team, when their jersey number is called, is going to be ready.”
Injuries are nothing new to this year’s team, as Staley has only finished a game with all 10 players three times. The final non-conference game was the first since Nov. 27 with her full roster, until Latson went down.
Staff writer Kamryn Jackson contributed to this story.
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Lulu Kesin covers South Carolina athletics for The Greenville News and the USA TODAY Network. Email her at LKesin@usatodayco.com. Follow her on X@Lulukesin and Bluesky@bylulukesin.bsky.social
This article originally appeared on Greenville News: Ta’Niya Latson injury update from Dawn Staley on South Carolina star
