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Can improved Madina Okot handle Raegan Beers in South Carolina vs Oklahoma Sweet 16?
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- Can improved Madina Okot handle Raegan Beers in South Carolina vs Oklahoma Sweet 16?
When South Carolina women's basketball played Oklahoma during the regular season, center Madina Okot had one of her worst games in the Gamecocks' only SEC loss.
In the Jan. 22 loss , Okot only played 16 minutes and scored six points with four rebounds and three turnovers. Raegan Beers, the Sooners ' star center, had 18 points and a game-high 14 rebounds.
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The matchup between Okot and Beers is once again expected to play a pivotal role in the rematch. The No. 1 seed Gamecocks (33-3) play the No. 4 seed Sooners (26-7) on March 28 (5 p.m. ET, ESPN) in Sacramento, California, in the Sweet 16 of the Women's NCAA Tournament .
May 9, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Atlanta Dream center Madina Okot (11) shoots as Minnesota Lynx forward Natasha Howard (1) defends during the first half at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
(Matt Krohn, Matt Krohn-Imagn Images)
Apr 13, 2026; New York, NY, USA; WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert (left) poses for photos with Madina Okot who was selected thirteenth overall by the Atlanta Dream during the 2026 WNBA Draft at The Shed at Hudson Yards. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
(Brad Penner, Brad Penner-Imagn Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 13: Madina Okot of Kenya arrives prior to the 2026 WNBA Draft at The Shed on April 13, 2026 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Cindy Ord/Getty Images)
(Cindy Ord, Getty Images)
Apr 5, 2026; Phoenix, AZ, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks center Madina Okot (11) shoots the ball defended by UCLA Bruins center Lauren Betts (51) and forward Angela Dugalic (32) in the second quarter during the National Championship game of the women's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
(Mark J. Rebilas, Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images)
South Carolina Gamecocks center Madina Okot (11) shoots the ball over UCLA Bruins center Lauren Betts (51) during their NCAA women's basketball national championship game at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on April 5, 2026.
(Joe Rondone/The Republic, Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
Sarah Strong #21 of the UConn Huskies shoots the ball against Madina Okot #11 of the South Carolina Gamecocks during the second quarter in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Christian Petersen, Getty Images)
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 30: Madina Okot #11 of the South Carolina Gamecocks celebrates after defeating the TCU Horned Frogs 78-52 in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Golden 1 Center on March 30, 2026 in Sacramento, California. (Photo by Thien-An Truong/Getty Images)
(Thien-An Truong, Getty Images)
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 30: Madina Okot #11 of the South Carolina Gamecocks reacts with teammates against the TCU Horned Frogs during the fourth quarter in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Golden 1 Center on March 30, 2026 in Sacramento, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
(Harry How, Getty Images)
Mar 30, 2026; Sacramento, CA, USA; Texas Christian University Horned Frogs forward Marta Suárez (7) and center Kennedy Basham (0) defend against South Carolina Gamecocks center Madina Okot (11) during the second quarter in an Elite Eight game in the Sacramento Regional 4 of the women's 2026 NCAA Tournament at the Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-Imagn Images
(Ed Szczepanski, Ed Szczepanski-Imagn Images)
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 28: Madina Okot #11 of the South Carolina Gamecocks drives to the basket Raegan Beers #15 of the Oklahoma Sooners during the first quarter in the Sweet Sixteen of the 2026 NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Golden 1 Center on March 28, 2026 in Sacramento, California. (Photo by Thien-An Truong/Getty Images)
(Thien-An Truong, Getty Images)
Mar 23, 2026; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks center Madina Okot (11) grabs a rebound against the USC Trojans in the first half at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images
(Jeff Blake, Jeff Blake-Imagn Images)
South Carolina center Madina Okot (11) gets a hug from injured player South Carolina forward Chloe Kitts (21) Monday, March 23, 2026, during the fourth quarter NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Colonial Life Arena in Columbia, South Carolina.
(Ken Ruinard / USA Today Network South Carolina)
Mar 21, 2026; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks center Madina Okot (11) looks to get around Southern Jaguars guard Zaria Hurston (20) in the first half at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images
(Jeff Blake, Jeff Blake-Imagn Images)
Texas Longhorns forward Breya Cunningham (25) defends South Carolina Gamecocks center Madina Okot (11) Sunday, March 8, 2026, during the SEC Women's Basketball Tournament Championship game at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, South Carolina.
(Alex Martin/Greenville News)
South Carolina Gamecocks center Madina Okot (11) grabs a rebound Saturday, March 7, 2026, during the SEC Women's Basketball Tournament semifinals game against the Louisiana State Tigers at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, South Carolina.
(Alex Martin/Greenville News)
LEXINGTON, KENTUCKY - MARCH 01: Clara Strack #13 of the Kentucky Wildcats dribbles the ball while she is guarded by Madina Okot #11 of the South Carolina Gamecocks in the first quarter at Memorial Coliseum on March 01, 2026 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
(Dylan Buell, Getty Images)
Feb 22, 2026; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks center Madina Okot (11) drives around Mississippi Rebels center J'adore Young (10) in the first half at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images
(Jeff Blake, Jeff Blake-Imagn Images)
Feb 22, 2026; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks center Madina Okot (11) makes a three point basket against the Mississippi Rebels in the first half at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images
(Jeff Blake, Jeff Blake-Imagn Images)
Feb 19, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; South Carolina center Madina Okot (11) works for a shot between Alabama guard Ta'mia Scott (15) and Alabama forward Essence Cody (21) at Coleman Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Gary Cosby Jr.-Tuscaloosa News
(Gary Cosby Jr.-Tuscaloosa News)
Feb 19, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; South Carolina center Madina Okot (11) blocks a shot by Alabama guard Jessica Timmons (23) at Coleman Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Gary Cosby Jr.-Tuscaloosa News
(Gary Cosby Jr.-Tuscaloosa News)
Madina Okot 11, LSU Tigers Women’s Basketball take on the South Carolina Gamecocks at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center in Baton Rouge, LA. Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026.
(SCOTT CLAUSE / USATODAY Network)
Feb 8, 2026; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks center Madina Okot (11) and Tennessee Volunteers guard Jaida Civil (15) battle for a rebound in the first half at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images
(Jeff Blake, Jeff Blake-Imagn Images)
Feb 5, 2026; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs forward Madison Francis (40) shoots over South Carolina Gamecocks center Madina Okot (11) in the second half at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images
(Jeff Blake, Jeff Blake-Imagn Images)
COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA - JANUARY 25: Madina Okot #11 of the South Carolina Gamecocks drives to the basket while guarded by Aiyana Mitchell #14 of the Vanderbilt Commodores in the first half during their game at Colonial Life Arena on January 25, 2026 in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images)
(Jacob Kupferman, Getty Images)
Oklahoma's Aaliyah Chavez (2) goes up for a basket as South Carolina 's Madina Okot (11) defends in second half of the women's college basketball game between the Oklahoma Sooners and the South Carolina at the Lloyd Noble Center in Norman, Okla., Thursday Jan. 22, 2026.
(SARAH PHIPPS/THE OKLAHOMAN, SARAH PHIPPS/THE OKLAHOMAN / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - JANUARY 18: Madina Okot #11 of the South Carolina Gamecocks drives to the basket in the third quarter against Erin Henry #20 of the Coppin State Eagles at Physical Education Complex on January 18, 2026 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)
(Greg Fiume, Getty Images)
Jan 11, 2026; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks center Madina Okot (11) drives around Georgia Bulldogs center Aicha Ndour (21) in the first half at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images
(Jeff Blake, Jeff Blake-Imagn Images)
Jan 4, 2026; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Florida Gators forward Me'arah O'Neal (8) shoots the ball over South Carolina Gamecocks center Madina Okot (11) during the first half at Exactech Arena at the Stephen C. O'Connell Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
(Matt Pendleton, Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images)
Dec 28, 2025; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks center Madina Okot (11) shoots over Providence Friars forward Nalani Kaysia (8), guard Orlagh Gormley (3) and forward Teneisia Brown (20) in the first half at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images
(Jeff Blake, Jeff Blake-Imagn Images)
Dec 4, 2025; Louisville, Kentucky, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks center Madina Okot (11) shoots against Louisville Cardinals forward Elif Istanbulluoglu (11) during the second half at KFC Yum! Center. South Carolina defeated Louisville 79-77. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Rhodes-Imagn Images
(Jamie Rhodes, Jamie Rhodes-Imagn Images)
Dec 4, 2025; Louisville, Kentucky, USA; Louisville Cardinals guard Reyna Scott (1) drives to the basket against South Carolina Gamecocks center Madina Okot (11) during the first half at KFC Yum! Center. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Rhodes-Imagn Images
(Jamie Rhodes, Jamie Rhodes-Imagn Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - NOVEMBER 27: Justice Carlton #11 of the Texas Longhorns shoots against Madina Okot #11 of the South Carolina Gamecocks in the second half of the championship game of the 2025 Players Era Championship basketball tournament at Michelob ULTRA Arena on November 27, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Longhorns defeated the Gamecocks 66-64. (Photo by Candice Ward/Getty Images)
(Candice Ward, Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - NOVEMBER 26: Madina Okot #11 of the South Carolina Gamecocks secures a rebound against Delaney Thomas #12 and Jadyn Donovan #2 of the Duke Blue Devils during the third quarter of a Players Era Championship basketball tournament game at Michelob ULTRA Arena on November 26, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ian Maule/Getty Images)
(Ian Maule, Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - NOVEMBER 26: Madina Okot #11 of the South Carolina Gamecocks drives against Arianna Roberson #21 and Riley Nelson #4 of the Duke Blue Devils during the fourth quarter of a Players Era Championship basketball tournament game at Michelob ULTRA Arena on November 26, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ian Maule/Getty Images)
(Ian Maule, Getty Images)
Nov 23, 2025; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks center Madina Okot (11) drives past Queens Royals center Breah Franks (31) in the first half at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images
(Jeff Blake, Jeff Blake-Imagn Images)
Nov 23, 2025; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks center Madina Okot (11) shoots against the Queens Royals in the first half at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images
(Jeff Blake, Jeff Blake-Imagn Images)
Nov 19, 2025; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks center Madina Okot (11) looks to shoot over Winthrop Eagles forward Naomi Wilson (11) in the second half at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images
(Jeff Blake, Jeff Blake-Imagn Images)
Nov 19, 2025; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks center Madina Okot (11) high fives teammates after being pulled from the game against the Winthrop Eagles in the second half at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images
(Jeff Blake, Jeff Blake-Imagn Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 15: Madina Okot #11 of the South Carolina Gamecocks controls the ball against Vivian Iwuchukwu #0 of the USC Trojans during the second half at Crypto.com Arena on November 15, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
(Ronald Martinez, Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 15: Kara Dunn #25 of the USC Trojans controls the ball against Joyce Edwards #8 and Madina Okot #11 of the South Carolina Gamecocks during the second half at Crypto.com Arena on November 15, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
(Ronald Martinez, Getty Images)
Nov 11, 2025; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks center Madina Okot (11) shoots against the Clemson Tigers in the first half at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images
(Jeff Blake, Jeff Blake-Imagn Images)
Nov 11, 2025; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks center Madina Okot (11) blocks the shot of Clemson Tigers guard Taylor Johnson-Matthews (10) in the second half at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images
(Jeff Blake, Jeff Blake-Imagn Images)
Nov 11, 2025; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks center Madina Okot (11) drives around Clemson Tigers forward Hadley Periman (21) in the first half at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images
(Jeff Blake, Jeff Blake-Imagn Images)
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Madina Okot, Atlanta Dream center in WNBA, former South Carolina star for Dawn Staley
May 9, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Atlanta Dream center Madina Okot (11) shoots as Minnesota Lynx forward Natasha Howard (1) defends during the first half at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
(Matt Krohn, Matt Krohn-Imagn Images)
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Madina Okot, Atlanta Dream center in WNBA, former South Carolina star for Dawn Staley
May 9, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Atlanta Dream center Madina Okot (11) shoots as Minnesota Lynx forward Natasha Howard (1) defends during the first half at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images
(Matt Krohn, Matt Krohn-Imagn Images)
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Madina Okot, Atlanta Dream center in WNBA, former South Carolina star for Dawn Staley
Apr 13, 2026; New York, NY, USA; WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert (left) poses for photos with Madina Okot who was selected thirteenth overall by the Atlanta Dream during the 2026 WNBA Draft at The Shed at Hudson Yards. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
(Brad Penner, Brad Penner-Imagn Images)
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Madina Okot, Atlanta Dream center in WNBA, former South Carolina star for Dawn Staley
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 13: Madina Okot of Kenya arrives prior to the 2026 WNBA Draft at The Shed on April 13, 2026 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Cindy Ord/Getty Images)
(Cindy Ord, Getty Images)
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Madina Okot, Atlanta Dream center in WNBA, former South Carolina star for Dawn Staley
Apr 5, 2026; Phoenix, AZ, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks center Madina Okot (11) shoots the ball defended by UCLA Bruins center Lauren Betts (51) and forward Angela Dugalic (32) in the second quarter during the National Championship game of the women's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
(Mark J. Rebilas, Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images)
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Madina Okot, Atlanta Dream center in WNBA, former South Carolina star for Dawn Staley
South Carolina Gamecocks center Madina Okot (11) shoots the ball over UCLA Bruins center Lauren Betts (51) during their NCAA women's basketball national championship game at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix on April 5, 2026.
(Joe Rondone/The Republic, Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
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Madina Okot, Atlanta Dream center in WNBA, former South Carolina star for Dawn Staley
Sarah Strong #21 of the UConn Huskies shoots the ball against Madina Okot #11 of the South Carolina Gamecocks during the second quarter in the Final Four of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 03, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona.
(Christian Petersen, Getty Images)
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Madina Okot, Atlanta Dream center in WNBA, former South Carolina star for Dawn Staley
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 30: Madina Okot #11 of the South Carolina Gamecocks celebrates after defeating the TCU Horned Frogs 78-52 in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Golden 1 Center on March 30, 2026 in Sacramento, California. (Photo by Thien-An Truong/Getty Images)
(Thien-An Truong, Getty Images)
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Madina Okot, Atlanta Dream center in WNBA, former South Carolina star for Dawn Staley
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 30: Madina Okot #11 of the South Carolina Gamecocks reacts with teammates against the TCU Horned Frogs during the fourth quarter in the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Golden 1 Center on March 30, 2026 in Sacramento, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
(Harry How, Getty Images)
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Madina Okot, Atlanta Dream center in WNBA, former South Carolina star for Dawn Staley
Mar 30, 2026; Sacramento, CA, USA; Texas Christian University Horned Frogs forward Marta Suárez (7) and center Kennedy Basham (0) defend against South Carolina Gamecocks center Madina Okot (11) during the second quarter in an Elite Eight game in the Sacramento Regional 4 of the women's 2026 NCAA Tournament at the Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-Imagn Images
(Ed Szczepanski, Ed Szczepanski-Imagn Images)
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Madina Okot, Atlanta Dream center in WNBA, former South Carolina star for Dawn Staley
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 28: Madina Okot #11 of the South Carolina Gamecocks drives to the basket Raegan Beers #15 of the Oklahoma Sooners during the first quarter in the Sweet Sixteen of the 2026 NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Golden 1 Center on March 28, 2026 in Sacramento, California. (Photo by Thien-An Truong/Getty Images)
(Thien-An Truong, Getty Images)
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Madina Okot, Atlanta Dream center in WNBA, former South Carolina star for Dawn Staley
Mar 23, 2026; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks center Madina Okot (11) grabs a rebound against the USC Trojans in the first half at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images
(Jeff Blake, Jeff Blake-Imagn Images)
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Madina Okot, Atlanta Dream center in WNBA, former South Carolina star for Dawn Staley
South Carolina center Madina Okot (11) gets a hug from injured player South Carolina forward Chloe Kitts (21) Monday, March 23, 2026, during the fourth quarter NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament at Colonial Life Arena in Columbia, South Carolina.
(Ken Ruinard / USA Today Network South Carolina)
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Madina Okot, Atlanta Dream center in WNBA, former South Carolina star for Dawn Staley
Mar 21, 2026; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks center Madina Okot (11) looks to get around Southern Jaguars guard Zaria Hurston (20) in the first half at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images
(Jeff Blake, Jeff Blake-Imagn Images)
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Madina Okot, Atlanta Dream center in WNBA, former South Carolina star for Dawn Staley
Texas Longhorns forward Breya Cunningham (25) defends South Carolina Gamecocks center Madina Okot (11) Sunday, March 8, 2026, during the SEC Women's Basketball Tournament Championship game at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, South Carolina.
(Alex Martin/Greenville News)
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Madina Okot, Atlanta Dream center in WNBA, former South Carolina star for Dawn Staley
South Carolina Gamecocks center Madina Okot (11) grabs a rebound Saturday, March 7, 2026, during the SEC Women's Basketball Tournament semifinals game against the Louisiana State Tigers at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, South Carolina.
(Alex Martin/Greenville News)
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Madina Okot, Atlanta Dream center in WNBA, former South Carolina star for Dawn Staley
LEXINGTON, KENTUCKY - MARCH 01: Clara Strack #13 of the Kentucky Wildcats dribbles the ball while she is guarded by Madina Okot #11 of the South Carolina Gamecocks in the first quarter at Memorial Coliseum on March 01, 2026 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
(Dylan Buell, Getty Images)
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Madina Okot, Atlanta Dream center in WNBA, former South Carolina star for Dawn Staley
Feb 22, 2026; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks center Madina Okot (11) drives around Mississippi Rebels center J'adore Young (10) in the first half at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images
(Jeff Blake, Jeff Blake-Imagn Images)
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Madina Okot, Atlanta Dream center in WNBA, former South Carolina star for Dawn Staley
Feb 22, 2026; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks center Madina Okot (11) makes a three point basket against the Mississippi Rebels in the first half at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images
(Jeff Blake, Jeff Blake-Imagn Images)
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Madina Okot, Atlanta Dream center in WNBA, former South Carolina star for Dawn Staley
Feb 19, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; South Carolina center Madina Okot (11) works for a shot between Alabama guard Ta'mia Scott (15) and Alabama forward Essence Cody (21) at Coleman Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Gary Cosby Jr.-Tuscaloosa News
(Gary Cosby Jr.-Tuscaloosa News)
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Madina Okot, Atlanta Dream center in WNBA, former South Carolina star for Dawn Staley
Feb 19, 2026; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; South Carolina center Madina Okot (11) blocks a shot by Alabama guard Jessica Timmons (23) at Coleman Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Gary Cosby Jr.-Tuscaloosa News
(Gary Cosby Jr.-Tuscaloosa News)
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Madina Okot, Atlanta Dream center in WNBA, former South Carolina star for Dawn Staley
Madina Okot 11, LSU Tigers Women’s Basketball take on the South Carolina Gamecocks at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center in Baton Rouge, LA. Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026.
(SCOTT CLAUSE / USATODAY Network)
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Madina Okot, Atlanta Dream center in WNBA, former South Carolina star for Dawn Staley
Feb 8, 2026; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks center Madina Okot (11) and Tennessee Volunteers guard Jaida Civil (15) battle for a rebound in the first half at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images
(Jeff Blake, Jeff Blake-Imagn Images)
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Madina Okot, Atlanta Dream center in WNBA, former South Carolina star for Dawn Staley
Feb 5, 2026; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs forward Madison Francis (40) shoots over South Carolina Gamecocks center Madina Okot (11) in the second half at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images
(Jeff Blake, Jeff Blake-Imagn Images)
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Madina Okot, Atlanta Dream center in WNBA, former South Carolina star for Dawn Staley
COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA - JANUARY 25: Madina Okot #11 of the South Carolina Gamecocks drives to the basket while guarded by Aiyana Mitchell #14 of the Vanderbilt Commodores in the first half during their game at Colonial Life Arena on January 25, 2026 in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images)
(Jacob Kupferman, Getty Images)
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Madina Okot, Atlanta Dream center in WNBA, former South Carolina star for Dawn Staley
Oklahoma's Aaliyah Chavez (2) goes up for a basket as South Carolina 's Madina Okot (11) defends in second half of the women's college basketball game between the Oklahoma Sooners and the South Carolina at the Lloyd Noble Center in Norman, Okla., Thursday Jan. 22, 2026.
(SARAH PHIPPS/THE OKLAHOMAN, SARAH PHIPPS/THE OKLAHOMAN / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
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Madina Okot, Atlanta Dream center in WNBA, former South Carolina star for Dawn Staley
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - JANUARY 18: Madina Okot #11 of the South Carolina Gamecocks drives to the basket in the third quarter against Erin Henry #20 of the Coppin State Eagles at Physical Education Complex on January 18, 2026 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)
(Greg Fiume, Getty Images)
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Madina Okot, Atlanta Dream center in WNBA, former South Carolina star for Dawn Staley
Jan 11, 2026; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks center Madina Okot (11) drives around Georgia Bulldogs center Aicha Ndour (21) in the first half at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images
(Jeff Blake, Jeff Blake-Imagn Images)
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Madina Okot, Atlanta Dream center in WNBA, former South Carolina star for Dawn Staley
Jan 4, 2026; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Florida Gators forward Me'arah O'Neal (8) shoots the ball over South Carolina Gamecocks center Madina Okot (11) during the first half at Exactech Arena at the Stephen C. O'Connell Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images
(Matt Pendleton, Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images)
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Madina Okot, Atlanta Dream center in WNBA, former South Carolina star for Dawn Staley
Dec 28, 2025; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks center Madina Okot (11) shoots over Providence Friars forward Nalani Kaysia (8), guard Orlagh Gormley (3) and forward Teneisia Brown (20) in the first half at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images
(Jeff Blake, Jeff Blake-Imagn Images)
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Madina Okot, Atlanta Dream center in WNBA, former South Carolina star for Dawn Staley
Dec 4, 2025; Louisville, Kentucky, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks center Madina Okot (11) shoots against Louisville Cardinals forward Elif Istanbulluoglu (11) during the second half at KFC Yum! Center. South Carolina defeated Louisville 79-77. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Rhodes-Imagn Images
(Jamie Rhodes, Jamie Rhodes-Imagn Images)
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Madina Okot, Atlanta Dream center in WNBA, former South Carolina star for Dawn Staley
Dec 4, 2025; Louisville, Kentucky, USA; Louisville Cardinals guard Reyna Scott (1) drives to the basket against South Carolina Gamecocks center Madina Okot (11) during the first half at KFC Yum! Center. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Rhodes-Imagn Images
(Jamie Rhodes, Jamie Rhodes-Imagn Images)
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Madina Okot, Atlanta Dream center in WNBA, former South Carolina star for Dawn Staley
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - NOVEMBER 27: Justice Carlton #11 of the Texas Longhorns shoots against Madina Okot #11 of the South Carolina Gamecocks in the second half of the championship game of the 2025 Players Era Championship basketball tournament at Michelob ULTRA Arena on November 27, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Longhorns defeated the Gamecocks 66-64. (Photo by Candice Ward/Getty Images)
(Candice Ward, Getty Images)
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Madina Okot, Atlanta Dream center in WNBA, former South Carolina star for Dawn Staley
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - NOVEMBER 26: Madina Okot #11 of the South Carolina Gamecocks secures a rebound against Delaney Thomas #12 and Jadyn Donovan #2 of the Duke Blue Devils during the third quarter of a Players Era Championship basketball tournament game at Michelob ULTRA Arena on November 26, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ian Maule/Getty Images)
(Ian Maule, Getty Images)
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Madina Okot, Atlanta Dream center in WNBA, former South Carolina star for Dawn Staley
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - NOVEMBER 26: Madina Okot #11 of the South Carolina Gamecocks drives against Arianna Roberson #21 and Riley Nelson #4 of the Duke Blue Devils during the fourth quarter of a Players Era Championship basketball tournament game at Michelob ULTRA Arena on November 26, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ian Maule/Getty Images)
(Ian Maule, Getty Images)
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Madina Okot, Atlanta Dream center in WNBA, former South Carolina star for Dawn Staley
Nov 23, 2025; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks center Madina Okot (11) drives past Queens Royals center Breah Franks (31) in the first half at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images
(Jeff Blake, Jeff Blake-Imagn Images)
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Madina Okot, Atlanta Dream center in WNBA, former South Carolina star for Dawn Staley
Nov 23, 2025; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks center Madina Okot (11) shoots against the Queens Royals in the first half at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images
(Jeff Blake, Jeff Blake-Imagn Images)
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Madina Okot, Atlanta Dream center in WNBA, former South Carolina star for Dawn Staley
Nov 19, 2025; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks center Madina Okot (11) looks to shoot over Winthrop Eagles forward Naomi Wilson (11) in the second half at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images
(Jeff Blake, Jeff Blake-Imagn Images)
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Madina Okot, Atlanta Dream center in WNBA, former South Carolina star for Dawn Staley
Nov 19, 2025; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks center Madina Okot (11) high fives teammates after being pulled from the game against the Winthrop Eagles in the second half at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images
(Jeff Blake, Jeff Blake-Imagn Images)
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Madina Okot, Atlanta Dream center in WNBA, former South Carolina star for Dawn Staley
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 15: Madina Okot #11 of the South Carolina Gamecocks controls the ball against Vivian Iwuchukwu #0 of the USC Trojans during the second half at Crypto.com Arena on November 15, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
(Ronald Martinez, Getty Images)
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Madina Okot, Atlanta Dream center in WNBA, former South Carolina star for Dawn Staley
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 15: Kara Dunn #25 of the USC Trojans controls the ball against Joyce Edwards #8 and Madina Okot #11 of the South Carolina Gamecocks during the second half at Crypto.com Arena on November 15, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
(Ronald Martinez, Getty Images)
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Madina Okot, Atlanta Dream center in WNBA, former South Carolina star for Dawn Staley
Nov 11, 2025; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks center Madina Okot (11) shoots against the Clemson Tigers in the first half at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images
(Jeff Blake, Jeff Blake-Imagn Images)
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Madina Okot, Atlanta Dream center in WNBA, former South Carolina star for Dawn Staley
Nov 11, 2025; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks center Madina Okot (11) blocks the shot of Clemson Tigers guard Taylor Johnson-Matthews (10) in the second half at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images
(Jeff Blake, Jeff Blake-Imagn Images)
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Madina Okot, Atlanta Dream center in WNBA, former South Carolina star for Dawn Staley
Nov 11, 2025; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks center Madina Okot (11) drives around Clemson Tigers forward Hadley Periman (21) in the first half at Colonial Life Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-Imagn Images
(Jeff Blake, Jeff Blake-Imagn Images)
"She is a phenomenal rebounder, offensive rebounder specifically. She gets in there, so we have to be able to focus on that, obviously," Beers said of Okot on March 27. "And then she's a threat on the block. And that girl can score. So, it's going to be really important, obviously, to keep her far away from the basket as possible tomorrow. … I'm excited to go up against her again."
Since the initial game against Oklahoma, Okot has come into her own with the Gamecocks. She now shoots 58.4% from the floor and averages 13.5 points and an SEC-high 10.9 rebounds. Beers is second at 10.5 rebounds.
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In 10 of South Carolina's last 12 games, Okot recorded a double-double, including tying her season-high of 17 rebounds twice and scoring more than 20 points in two games.
Okot has also established herself as a threat from the 3-point line , shooting 46.2% on the season. It's something Beers and Oklahoma coach Jennie Baranczyk acknowledged will change the parameters of their matchup.
"I think Madina Okot has had an incredible season," Baranczyk said. "Just her versatility, she's shooting the 3-ball more. You can't just sit and pack the paint."
As much as facing Okot will be a challenge for Beers and the Sooners, limiting Beers will be a challenge for the Gamecocks. Beers averages 15.8 points while shooting 61.7% from the floor.
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In playing against Beers previously, Okot has learned to "be ready for the physicality," and she knows how important it will be for her to "win the physicality battle" down low.
"She's so good around the rim and in the paint and defensively, she's so good grabbing the ball," Okot said of Beers.
When facing Okot at Mississippi State last season, Beers scored 19 points with 10 rebounds while Okot had six points and 10 rebounds, but the Bulldogs won. In four career matchups against the Gamecocks, Beers has averaged 16 points and 9.5 rebounds.
"They're a phenomenal team, obviously," Beers said. "I've played anywhere from Kamilla Cardoso to now Okot, two phenomenal post players. And so, I've just gotten better every time I've played them. … I'm excited to go up against them for the fifth time."
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Tia Reid covers Jackson State sports for the Clarion Ledger. Email her at treid@usatodayco.com and follow her on X @tiareid65 .
This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Madina Okot vs Raegan Beers key matchup for South Carolina vs Oklahoma
