Gamecocks Host Struggling Eagles in Nonconference Tilt COLUMBIA, S.C. (Interstat) — The top-ranked South Carolina women’s basketball team looks to continue its dominant start when it hosts North Carolina Central in a nonconference matchup at Colonial Life Arena on Sunday. The Gamecocks (8-1), whose lone loss came by two points to then-Texas on Nov. 27, are riding the momentum of a hard-fought 79-77 road win at Louisville on Thursday. Guard Tessa Johnson led the way in that victory, scoring a season-high 20 points. The sophomore has been a consistent offensive threat, averaging 13.2 points per game over her last five contests. South Carolina’s offense has been prolific, scoring 100 or more points twice this season and winning by an average margin of 41.4 points in its eight victories. Center Madina Okot, who had 23 points against Louisville, and guard Raven Johnson provide additional firepower for a deep and balanced roster. They face an Eagles team (1-7) mired in a six-game losing streak. North Carolina Central’s most recent outing was a 73-67 home loss to North Carolina A&T on Tuesday. Guard Najah Lane, the team’s player to watch, scored 13 points in that contest. The junior is averaging 9.1 points and 4.1 assists per game this season, including a 13-point, 3-assist performance against A&T. The Eagles’ sole win came against UNC Asheville on Nov. 13. They have faced a challenging early schedule, including road losses to Power Five opponents Wake Forest and North Carolina, where they fell 90-42. This game marks the first-ever meeting between the two programs. For South Carolina, it serves as a final tune-up before a highly anticipated rematch with Texas on Jan. 15. North Carolina Central continues a brutal stretch of road games, with visits to High Point, Queens (N.C.) and Oklahoma looming later this month. Tipoff is set for 2 p.m. EST Sunday. The Gamecocks are 5-0 at home this season, winning those games by an average of 48.2 points.