Joyce Edwards Leads South Carolina to Dominating Victory Over Florida
In an impressive display of talent, Joyce Edwards scored a career-best 28 points, powering South Carolina to a decisive 101-61 victory against Florida.
Strong Response Following First Conference Loss
Following their first conference defeat in over three years, South Carolina wasted no time in demonstrating their resilience. The Gamecocks launched the game with a quick 7-0 run, followed by subsequent spurts of 9-0 and 10-0 in the first quarter.
“We just wanted to get back in the win column, just to feel good, get back to some normalcy when it comes to playing the style of play we need to play on both sides of the ball,” said head coach Dawn Staley.
Record-Breaking First Half
By the end of the first quarter, South Carolina had established a commanding 36-15 lead, marking the highest points they’ve scored in any quarter this season and tying for the second-most in program history.
At halftime, the Gamecocks further solidified their dominance with a 62-32 lead, matching their record for most points in the first half against an SEC opponent. This level of scoring is more typical of a lighter December matchup than a late-season SEC contest, equaling South Carolina’s total points from their recent loss at Texas.
“I feel like (at) Texas we weren’t really us,” shared Edwards. “Against Florida today, we were back to our true form. Hopefully, we can carry this into Sunday.”
Consistent Performance in the Second Half
Though South Carolina’s pace slowed in the second half, they maintained a lead of nearly 30 points for most of the duration, even extending it to 40 points late in the fourth quarter. MiLaysia Fulwiley capped the scoring with a three-point play, tying South Carolina’s season-high for total points.
“South Carolina is one of the best teams in the country for a reason,” acknowledged Florida’s Kelly Rae Finley. “Their combination of talent and teamwork sets them apart.”
Outstanding Individual Performances
South Carolina showcased their efficiency, shooting 46.2% from the field while limiting Florida to 33.3%. The Gamecocks dominated the boards with a plus-14 rebounding advantage and scored 24 points off 17 turnovers, while conceding only six points from six turnovers.
Edwards shined in her performance, scoring 28 points with a shooting accuracy of 10-17, converting all eight free throw attempts, and contributing five rebounds, an assist, and a steal. Her 28 points are the most by a Gamecock since Zia Cooke’s 31-point game against Georgia in 2023, setting a freshman SEC record.
“Yeah, man. A loss really makes you lock in,” Edwards reflected. “The lesson from that game was about toughness; you discover your strength when faced with challenges. We simply rose back up.”
Te-Hina Paopao also stood out in her 20 minutes on the court, scoring 14 points on 4-5 shooting from beyond the arc, alongside seven rebounds and seven assists—her career highs in the SEC.
“She’s an elevator,” Staley praised. “When Pao hits a three, it seems to lift our entire team, allowing us to relax because she’s been such a vital contributor.”
Sania Feagin added depth with 10 points, five rebounds, and two blocks, while Chloe Kitts showcased versatility with five points, 12 rebounds, and tying her career-high with five assists. Raven Johnson also impacted with seven points, six rebounds, and two assists.
Fulwiley provided a strong effort off the bench, scoring 13 points and grabbing five steals.
Florida’s Contributions
For Florida, Liv McGill and Ra Shaya Kyle both scored 15 points, although it wasn’t enough to match South Carolina’s prowess.
Additional Notes
This game marked South Carolina’s annual Play 4 Kay event, promoting awareness for breast cancer. Both teams donned special uniforms; Florida in pink, while South Carolina sported black and pink shooting shirts featuring “Never Give Up” on the backside.
South Carolina’s record for points in a quarter stands at 37, achieved during the first quarter against St. Peter’s in 2016 and in the fourth quarter against Maryland in 2023. All 12 players for South Carolina saw action, with Maryam Dauda being the exception without points. Ashlyn Watkins attended her first game since undergoing ACL surgery, moving with the help of crutches. Chloe Kitts’ sister, Kylee, was present on the bench but not in uniform, as she redshirts this season for Florida.
Notably, South Carolina previously defeated Oklahoma 101-60. Coach Dawn Staley wore a black cardigan over the team’s black shooting shirt, and the game attracted an audience of 16,708 fans. The Gamecocks are set to face UConn next on Sunday.
