ORANGEBURG, S.C. — The South Carolina State women's basketball team will look to continue its impressive start to the 2026-27 season when the Bulldogs host Bethune-Cookman on Thursday, Nov. 5, at 7 p.m. inside Smith-Hammond-Middleton Memorial Center.
The Bulldogs (1-0), under second-year head coach
Cedric W. Baker, enter the contest following a commanding 112-42 victory over Trinity College (Fla.) in Monday's season opener. Bethune-Cookman (1-0) also opened its season in dominating fashion, defeating Florida Memorial 102-30.
Thursday's matchup features two high-scoring teams that combined for 214 points in their respective season openers.
SC State enters the contest with momentum after an impressive offensive and defensive performance. The Bulldogs shot 54.9% from the field, collected 56 rebounds, dished out 30 assists and recorded 27 steals against Trinity College.
Adena Webster led the Bulldogs with a game-high 23 points and 10 rebounds, shooting 9 of 14 from the field. Ja'dore Hayes added 19 points on 8-of-9 shooting, while Chase Thomas contributed 16 points and eight rebounds.
Alexica Murphy chipped in 10 points and six rebounds, while
Monajah Ford provided an outstanding defensive performance with nine points, eight steals and three assists.
SC State's defensive pressure forced 35 turnovers and generated 43 points off those miscues. The Bulldogs also controlled the interior, outscoring Trinity College 74-22 in the paint while holding the opposition to 25% shooting.
Bethune-Cookman, meanwhile, enters Thursday's matchup following a 72-point victory over Florida Memorial.
The Wildcats shot 52.5% from the floor, grabbed 57 rebounds and recorded 20 steals and nine blocked shots in their season opener.
Tahjae Hawes paced Bethune-Cookman with 17 points and seven rebounds, connecting on three 3-pointers. Kayla Lee followed with 16 points and five rebounds, while Alannah NeRocker added 12 points.
Jarahle Daniels and Akilah Shelton contributed 10 points apiece, with Shelton collecting a team-high nine rebounds and three blocks.
The Wildcats held Florida Memorial to just 17.3% shooting and forced 32 turnovers.
Breaking Down the Matchup
Both teams displayed balanced scoring, aggressive defensive pressure and strong rebounding performances in their opening victories.
| Category |
SC State |
Bethune-Cookman |
| Overall record |
1-0 |
1-0 |
| Points per game |
112.0 |
102.0 |
| Opponent points |
42.0 |
30.0 |
| Field goal percentage |
54.9% |
52.5% |
| 3-point percentage |
31.3% |
30.0% |
| Rebounds per game |
56.0 |
57.0 |
| Assists per game |
30.0 |
23.0 |
| Steals per game |
27.0 |
20.0 |
| Turnovers per game |
22.0 |
16.0 |
| Blocks per game |
6.0 |
9.0 |
Statistics reflect each team's first game of the 2026-27 season, based on the supplied box score and team statistics.
Keys to the Game for SC State
- Establish the inside game: Hayes and Webster will be important in helping the Bulldogs control the paint against a Bethune-Cookman squad that recorded nine blocks in its opener.
- Maintain defensive intensity: SC State will look to build on its 27-steal performance and continue creating scoring opportunities through defensive pressure.
- Control the boards: With both teams collecting at least 56 rebounds in their openers, second-chance opportunities could play an important role.
- Limit turnovers: The Bulldogs committed 22 turnovers against Trinity College, compared with 16 by Bethune-Cookman in its opener.
- Continue balanced scoring: SC State had five players reach double figures against Trinity College and will look for another complete team effort.
Players to Watch
South Carolina State
- Adena Webster — 23 points, 10 rebounds, five assists.
- Ja'dore Hayes — 19 points, six rebounds, 8-of-9 shooting.
- Chase Thomas — 16 points, eight rebounds, four assists.
- Monajah Ford — Nine points, eight steals, three assists.
Bethune-Cookman
- Tahjae Hawes — 17 points, seven rebounds, three 3-pointers.
- Kayla Lee — 16 points, five rebounds.
- Alannah NeRocker — 12 points.
- Akilah Shelton — 10 points, nine rebounds, three blocks.
