Madina Okot bags record double-double to lead Gamecocks to Sweet 16
Reading Time: 2min | Tue. 24.03.26. | 21:19
The 21-year-old became the first player this year to thrice reach double-double figures by the end of the first half
Kenyan basketball sensation Madina Okot enjoyed another big night for South Carolina after racking in her 22nd double-double of the season in a massive 101-61 victory over Southern California in the women’s NCAA Tournament on Monday night.
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The 21-year-old notched 15 points and 15 rebounds as she propelled the Gamecocks to a historic win, which marked the first time in program history that South Carolina had scored 100 points in two games of the same tournament.
Okot secured her double-double in record time, notching it by the end of the first half to stand alone as the only SEC player to accomplish that feat three times this season.
BEING USC FEELS OH SO 𝙎𝙒𝙀𝙀𝙏 💃 pic.twitter.com/phydnFOoS2
— South Carolina Women's Basketball (@GamecockWBB) March 24, 2026
The number one-seeded Gamecocks opened with a 13-0 run, 51-21 lead at halftime, before ultimately cruising to their 18th straight NCAA win at home.
The win, which came on Raven Johnson’s final game at Colonial Life Arena, advanced South Carolina to its 12th straight Sweet 16, where they will get a rematch at the Sacramento 4 regional against fourth-seeded Oklahoma.
For one last time from @CLAmktg, PG1 signing out ✍️ pic.twitter.com/7EvPraK1Vn
— South Carolina Women's Basketball (@GamecockWBB) March 24, 2026
“I think we’re starting to connect,” coach Dawn Staley told the club's media post-game. “I do think the excitement of playing in the NCAA Tournament has lifted them to play connected basketball.
They know the stakes are high, it takes a win to advance, and it’s bringing out the ultra competitiveness in them.”
Joyce Edwards led the way for her side with 23 points and 10 rebounds, even as six players scored in double-digits for South Carolina.
Agot Makeer had 15 points and four steals, Ta’Niya Latson put up 12 points and five assists, while Tessa Johnson and Maryam Dauda scored 10 points each.
The dominant display from Okot came days after she had been nominated for the 2026 Lisa Leslie Centre of the Year Award, having finished fifth in the SEC in defense, and second in the country in rebounds per 40 minutes at 18.1.
Okot, the 6-foot-6 Mississippi State transfer, would need South Carolina to appeal for a waiver that would grant her an extra year of eligibility next season.
