Joyce Edwards scored 21 points as No. 3 South Carolina defeated Mississippi State 88-45 on Thursday night, marking the team’s eighth consecutive win over the Bulldogs.
With her performance, Edwards surpassed 1,000 career points, becoming only the third sophomore in South Carolina women’s basketball history to reach this milestone. She joins Shelia Foster and A’ja Wilson—both of whom have their jerseys retired at Colonial Life Arena—in this achievement.
Edwards contributed nine of South Carolina’s first 15 points as the Gamecocks (23-2, 9-1 SEC) quickly built a double-digit lead in the first quarter. The Bulldogs (16-8, 3-7 SEC), who started the season with a strong record but have now lost seven of their last nine games, struggled offensively and were unable to challenge South Carolina throughout the game.
South Carolina played without starters Ta’Niya Latson and Agot Makeer for a second straight game due to lower-leg injuries. Both missed Thursday’s matchup after being sidelined during recent wins against Auburn and Texas A&M.
Despite lineup changes caused by injuries and suspensions this season, South Carolina has continued to rely on available players to maintain its winning record.
Head coach Dawn Staley said, “Such was case with the 6-foot-3 Edwards against the Bulldogs, who finished 8-of-11 shooting and tied her career high with six assists.”
Freshman Ayla McDowell made her first start for South Carolina and matched her career high with 16 points, including four three-pointers. Madina Okot recorded her 14th double-double of the season with 10 points and 10 rebounds.
For Mississippi State, Madison Francis led scoring with 12 points. The Bulldogs were held to just six points in the third quarter and shot three-for-24 from beyond the arc—their lowest point total of the season.
All nine Gamecocks who played contributed to the scoreboard, with five finishing in double figures. Maddy McDaniel tied her career high with 10 points and added a steal.
The win is South Carolina’s twentieth over Mississippi State during Dawn Staley’s tenure as head coach. The team continues its SEC campaign amid ongoing roster adjustments due to player availability.
