Gamecocks Host UNF on Opening Night Monday

South Carolina's home opener Monday

The South Carolina women's basketball team will tip off its 2022-23 season Monday night in Colonial Life Arena when it hosts North Florida in its home opener.

The game is set to tip at 7 p.m. and will be streamed live on SEC Network+.

O'Neal eager to get season started

Head coach Dawn Staley is excited to get the season started and believes the Gamecocks are ready to take the next step.

"I'm really proud of the work that this team has put in during the offseason," Staley said. "I think we have a group of players who are capable of doing something special this year."

South Carolina is ranked No. 1 in the Associated Press preseason poll and is the favorite to win the SEC championship.

The Gamecocks return three starters from last season's team that reached the Final Four, including All-American Aliyah Boston.

Boston, a 6-foot-5 center, averaged 16.8 points and 12.2 rebounds per game last season. She is considered one of the best players in the country.

Other key returners for the Gamecocks include Zia Cooke, Brea Beal and Laeticia Amihere.

Cooke, a 6-foot-1 guard, averaged 13.3 points per game last season. Beal, a 5-foot-9 guard, averaged 10.2 points per game. Amihere, a 6-foot-4 forward, averaged 9.8 points and 7.9 rebounds per game.

North Florida is coming off a 15-15 season. The Ospreys are led by senior guard Jasmyn Brown, who averaged 14.2 points per game last season.

The Gamecocks are 13-0 all-time against North Florida.