Joyce Edwards Shines as South Carolina Dominates Florida
In a stellar performance, Joyce Edwards recorded a personal best of 28 points, guiding South Carolina to a commanding 101-61 victory over Florida.
Gamecocks Bounce Back Strong
After suffering their first conference loss in over three years, the Gamecocks swiftly demonstrated their resilience. The team opened the match with an impressive 7-0 run, followed by additional spurts of 9-0 and 10-0 during the first quarter.
“Our goal was to return to winning ways and restore our confidence, focusing on executing our style of play effectively on both ends,” said head coach Dawn Staley.
Historic First Quarter
South Carolina led the game 36-15 at the end of the first quarter, marking the highest points scored in a quarter by the Gamecocks this season and tying for the second-most in the program’s history.
A Dominant First Half
By halftime, South Carolina was up 62-32, equaling the program record for points in the first half against an SEC opponent. Such a scoreline is typically reserved for early-season matchups rather than crucial late-season showdowns, matching their total output from the earlier loss to Texas.
Edwards Reflects on Performance
“I felt like we didn’t show our true selves against Texas. Today against Florida, we played like ourselves, and I hope we continue that momentum into Sunday,” Edwards remarked.
Maintaining Control
While South Carolina’s performance cooled in the second half, they maintained a commanding lead of nearly 30 points for most of the game and increased it to 40 points late in the fourth quarter. MiLaysia Fulwiley capped the scoring with a three-point play, tying the Gamecocks’ season record for total points.
Respect for the Opponent
“South Carolina is among the nation’s elite for a reason,” noted Florida’s coach Kelly Rae Finley. “Their talent combined with their team cohesion makes them exceptional.”
Statistical Highlights
The Gamecocks shot at an impressive 46.2%, while holding Florida to just 33.3%. On the boards, South Carolina out-rebounded Florida by 14 and scored 24 points off 17 turnovers, allowing only six points from their own six turnovers.
Edwards’ Breakout Performance
Edwards had an outstanding outing, scoring 28 points on 10 of 17 shooting, perfecting all eight of her free throw attempts, and contributing five rebounds, an assist, and a steal. Her performance marks the highest scoring by a Gamecock since Zia Cooke’s 31 points against Georgia in 2023 and sets a record for freshmen in the SEC.
Finding Strength in Adversity
“A loss truly makes you hunker down,” Edwards shared. “We learned about our toughness through adversity, and we came back strong.”
Support from Teammates
Te-Hina Paopao, despite playing only 20 minutes, also shone with 14 points on four of five shooting from three-point range, along with seven rebounds and seven assists, both career highs in the SEC for her.
“She elevates our team’s energy and confidence,” Staley praised. “When she hits her shots, it creates a contagious positivity.”
Contributions from Others
Sania Feagin contributed 10 points, five rebounds, and two blocks, while Chloe Kitts notched five points, 12 rebounds, and matched her career-best with five assists. Raven Johnson added seven points, six rebounds, and two assists, and Fulwiley came off the bench to score 13 points while making five steals.
Florida’s Efforts
For Florida, Liv McGill and Ra Shaya Kyle each scored 15 points.
Game Day Notes
This game symbolized South Carolina’s annual Play 4 Kay event to raise awareness for breast cancer. Florida donned pink uniforms, while South Carolina sported black and pink shooting shirts inscribed with “Never Give Up.”
All 12 Gamecocks participated in the game, with everyone except Maryam Dauda scoring. Notably, Ashlyn Watkins made her return to the court following her ACL surgery, although she walked with assistance.
In familial connections, Chloe Kitts’ younger sister Kylee, who is redshirting this season for Florida, was present on the bench, albeit without a uniform.
The last time South Carolina matched the 101-point mark was in a game against Oklahoma (101-60). The Gamecocks’ next challenge awaits on Sunday against UConn.
