South Carolina women’s basketball delivered a statement performance on Saturday night, cruising to a commanding 69–52 victory over Southern Cal in the long-anticipated battle for bragging rights as the “real SC.” And at the center of the win was the relentless double-double duo of Joyce Edwards and Raven Johnson, who powered the Gamecocks on both ends of the floor.
Freshman sensation Joyce Edwards looked every bit like a rising star, finishing with a monster stat line of 17 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals/blocks. Her versatility was on full display—attacking the paint, facilitating offense, and anchoring the defense. Edwards continues to grow more confident with each outing, showing why she was one of the most hyped recruits in the nation.
On the perimeter, veteran guard Raven Johnson controlled the tempo from start to finish. Johnson notched 14 points, 11 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 blocks, putting together one of her most complete performances of the season. Her poise and leadership helped stabilize the Gamecocks every time Southern Cal tried to mount a run.
Together, the pair became the engine that drove Dawn Staley’s squad to a dominant outing—combining for 31 points, 21 rebounds, 8 assists, and 4 blocks.
Gamecocks Pull Away Early, Never Look Back
South Carolina wasted little time grabbing control of the game. Their defensive pressure bottled up USC’s scorers, while Edwards and Johnson repeatedly beat the Trojans in transition and on second-chance opportunities. By halftime, the Gamecocks had already built a comfortable cushion, and their physicality inside made it almost impossible for Southern Cal to close the gap.
Staley praised the team’s composure and toughness afterward, especially the leadership shown by her stars. With both Edwards and Johnson setting the tone, South Carolina played with the confidence of a team that understands its identity.
A Statement Win for a Team Still Rising
The matchup had been hyped as a showdown of two programs trying to assert themselves among the nation’s best—and South Carolina left no doubt. The Gamecocks’ 69–52 victory wasn’t just another non-conference win; it was a reminder of the standard that Dawn Staley’s teams continue to uphold.
As Joyce Edwards continues her rapid evolution and Raven Johnson cements herself as one of the nation’s elite floor generals, South Carolina’s ceiling only gets higher.
The “real SC” battle is settled for now—and the Gamecocks stamped their claim with authority.
