The No. 2 South Carolina Gamecocks delivered another commanding performance Friday night, cruising past Bowling Green in a 114–47 rout at Colonial Life Arena. Led by Joyce Edwards’ 24-point explosion, the Gamecocks dominated every aspect of the game, showcasing the depth and balance that have become hallmarks of Dawn Staley’s powerhouse program.
Early Surge Sets the Tone
Bowling Green briefly held a 2–0 lead to open the contest — but that was the only time the Falcons were ahead. From there, South Carolina unleashed an unstoppable offensive surge.
Edwards fueled the early momentum, scoring six of the Gamecocks’ first eight points. Her energy sparked a 15–0 run that put the game firmly in South Carolina’s control. The offensive barrage continued throughout the night, with additional 9–0 runs in both the second and third quarters, followed by a 16–0 burst in the final frame.
By the final buzzer, seven of the nine Gamecocks who saw action had reached double figures, and the team shot an incredible 63.6% from the field.
“We wanted to make a statement with our effort and execution,” said head coach Dawn Staley. “Our team did a great job of sharing the ball and staying locked in on both ends.”
Edwards, Okot, and Johnson Shine
Freshman forward Joyce Edwards continued her impressive start to the season with 24 points, displaying a mix of finesse and power around the rim.
Meanwhile, Madina Okot made her presence felt inside, tallying a double-double with 13 points and 11 rebounds, along with three blocks, just one shy of her career high.
Raven Johnson also recorded a double-double performance, finishing with 11 points, 11 assists, five rebounds, and three steals, providing the Gamecocks with steady leadership and floor control.
“Madina came out aggressive from the jump, and Raven’s pace was perfect for us,” Staley added. “When those two are playing at that level, we’re tough to stop.”
Freshmen Step Up Big
Both of South Carolina’s freshmen made major contributions in the win.
- Agot Makeer, pressed into early minutes after Tessa Johnson picked up two quick fouls, scored 12 points, including nine in the first quarter to help South Carolina build its massive early lead.
- Ayla McDowell added 11 points, drilling her first two collegiate three-pointers in a confident shooting display.
Their production off the bench highlighted the Gamecocks’ remarkable depth and next-player-up mentality.
Latson Fights Through Tough Shooting Night
Star guard Ta’Niya Latson had a quieter night offensively, going 5-of-11 from the field, but she stayed efficient at the stripe, sinking all seven of her free throws to finish with 17 points. Her ability to contribute despite an off shooting night reflected South Carolina’s balanced offensive structure.
Record-Breaking Offense
The 114 points scored tied for the second-highest total in the Dawn Staley era, matching the 114-point outing against Maryland in 2023. The program’s all-time high under Staley remains 119 points, set against Charleston in 2020.
With contributions from every rotation player and relentless defensive intensity, the Gamecocks once again reminded the nation why they’re a dominant force in women’s basketball.
“We’re not just playing to win — we’re playing to set our standard,” Staley said postgame. “Tonight was another step toward that.”
South Carolina moves to 2–0 on the season, continuing its impressive early form as it looks ahead to the next challenge on its non-conference slate.
