COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Gamecocks left little doubt about their dominance Sunday, dismantling Penn State 95–55 in a game that showcased their depth, defensive discipline, and the emergence of freshman star Joyce Edwards.
First Half: Establishing Control
South Carolina wasted no time asserting itself. The Gamecocks opened with a flurry of transition baskets, forcing Penn State into early turnovers. Despite the absence of forward Madina Okot, Dawn Staley’s squad controlled the paint by denying entry passes to Nittany Lions center Gracie Merkle.
- Maryam Dauda and Ahdel Tac executed the defensive scheme to perfection, fronting Merkle and crowding her space.
- By halftime, South Carolina had built a commanding lead, fueled by relentless ball pressure and fast-break points.
Third Quarter Surge
The turning point came in the third quarter, when South Carolina unleashed a ruthless run that buried Penn State.
- Joyce Edwards sparked the surge with back-to-back steals leading to layups.
- The Gamecocks outscored Penn State by double digits in the frame, stretching the margin beyond reach.
- Staley later called the quarter “the moment we executed everything we’ve been working on.”
Edwards’ Breakout Performance
Edwards delivered a career-defining night, setting three personal bests. She filled the stat sheet with six steals, four blocks, five assists, and zero turnovers, while scoring efficiently. Staley praised her versatility:
“She’s just finding ways to impact the game through an entire stat line. We’re working with her to be more than a scorer, and she’s executing.”
Bench Depth and Development
With SEC play looming, Staley emphasized the importance of bench contributions.
- Maddy McDaniel showed signs of regaining rhythm.
- Ayla McDowell provided steady minutes.
- Dauda and Tac continued to grow into their roles.
Staley noted that Okot’s absence gave others a chance to step up:
“It’s good that Madina didn’t play — they can build confidence defensively, and offensively we’ll get there.”
Looking Ahead
The victory not only reinforced South Carolina’s status as a national powerhouse but also highlighted the team’s adaptability. Even without key players, the Gamecocks showcased their ability to dominate through defense, depth, and emerging talent.
With SEC competition around the corner, Staley’s squad appears poised to carry its momentum into conference play — and Edwards’ rise may be the storyline to watch.
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