South Carolina women’s basketball celebrated a big win against the Texas Longhorns on Thursday night, edging them out 68-65 in Colonial Life Arena. The No. 2 Gamecocks faced the No. 4 Longhorns in a thrilling SEC matchup.
One standout moment came from Madina Okot, who made an unexpected 3-pointer, but the highlight of the game was sophomore Joyce Edwards. The 6-3 forward showcased her athleticism with a stunning block against Texas center Kyla Oldacre just before halftime. As Oldacre went for an easy layup, Edwards sprinted in from the top of the key to swat her shot off the backboard.
On Friday, ESPN’s SportsCenter featured Edwards’ block in its Top 10 plays, ranking it at No. 7. This attention reflects Edwards’ growing prominence in the sport. Despite struggling offensively, hitting only three shots, she contributed significantly on defense, tallying five stocks (a combination of steals and blocks) throughout the game.
Edwards ended the night with 14 points, hitting 8 of 9 free throws, alongside eight rebounds and three steals. Her performance helped South Carolina gain revenge for a previous loss to Texas in the Players Era Championship earlier this season.
Now with a record of 18-1 and 5-0 in the SEC, South Carolina is in a strong position within the conference. The team has a little break before their next game against Coppin State this Sunday. Although the game won’t be on traditional TV, fans can catch it streaming on ESPN+.
This season has seen the Gamecocks rise to prominence. A key factor in their success is their defensive prowess, which has been a focus in training. According to recent studies, strong defensive teams often have higher winning percentages. Edwards’ play style showcases this perfectly, combining aggression on defense with the ability to contribute when needed on offense.
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on how far the Gamecocks can go. With their current form, they are certainly a team to watch in NCAA women’s basketball.
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