South Carolina women's basketball: Rapid reaction - North Carolina

South Carolina defeated North Carolina in the final exhibition for both teams. Here’s what stood out from the game.

– Maryam Dauda was kind of the odd big out against Anderson as Dawn Staley gave Joyce Edwards and Madina Okot extended playing time. She reversed that on Thursday, bringing Dauda into the game early and giving her extended playing time.

Dauda was impressive, piling up 10 points, five rebounds, and a block. She played with confidence and aggression, scoring on a couple of passes and making a nifty pass to Agot Makeer for a layup.

“I knew Maryam was going to play well,” Staley said.

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– You could see Ta’Niya Latson’s overall comfort level rising as the game went on. Against Anderson and for much of the first half, Latson seemed to be in cruise control, deferring to her new teammates. 

But she became more assertive late in the first half, getting into the lane for layups or kicking out to her teammates. She finished with 19 points on 7-12 shooting, with three assists

Latson’s acclimation period isn’t over, but she’s getting close to finding that balance between selfish and selfless basketball.

– After scoring 16 points against Anderson, Agot Makeer looked like a freshman against a much better North Carolina team. Makeer had four points, two rebounds, and two assists, but had five turnovers as North Carolina’s size and speed gave her problems.

Makeer still flashed her potential. She had a couple of nice drives, two gorgeous passes, and some solid defense. Makeer was 0-3 from three, but she kept setting up behind the NBA arc instead of the college arc. If she had taken a step in, she might have shot better.

“Freshman. Just careless with the ball,” Staley said. “I think we need to make some adjustments with her as far as getting the Highlighters to play a little bit more aggressive.”

NEW! Message board for South Carolina Women’s Basketball!