Okot and Edwards Lead South Carolina to a Statement Win Over Alabama
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — In a commanding display of power and precision, No. 3 South Carolina secured a convincing 76-57 victory over No. 25 Alabama, powered by stellar performances from two of the Gamecocks’ most consistent stars: Madina Okot and Joyce Edwards.
From the outset, South Carolina asserted itself on both ends of the court, never relinquishing the lead after an early surge. The outcome was never really in doubt, but the individual efforts of Okot and Edwards turned a strong team win into a memorable night for both players.
Madina Okot: Double-Double Dominance
Madina Okot was nothing short of dominant against Alabama, recording a double-double with 16 points and 16 rebounds. Her efficiency was on full display — she shot 7-of-11 from the field, including a perfect 2-for-2 from beyond the arc, a remarkable feat for a frontcourt player primarily known for interior presence. Okot also blocked four shots, showcasing her rim protection skills, and added a steal to her stat line.
Her control of the paint was a key factor in South Carolina’s success on the glass, as the Gamecocks outrebounded the Crimson Tide overall and turned second-chance opportunities into vital points.
Okot’s performance will undoubtedly be viewed as one of her most complete games of the season — a blend of scoring, rebounding, and defensive impact that exemplifies her growing importance to South Carolina’s frontcourt rotation.
Joyce Edwards: Vintage All-Around Performance
Where Okot anchored the post, Joyce Edwards provided a complete offensive and defensive effort that led all scorers in the contest. Edwards finished with 23 points and 12 rebounds, securing her own double-double in the process. She was a workhorse with high-efficiency scoring, going 10-of-15 from the field and asserting her dominance inside.
Edwards also contributed on the defensive end with three steals, proving disruptive not only in scoring but in generating turnovers and transition opportunities for South Carolina. Her physical presence and scoring versatility helped maintain the Gamecocks’ control throughout the game.
Team Impact and Game Flow
Although Alabama managed to cut into the lead during the middle stages of the contest, South Carolina’s defensive intensity and rebounding edge ultimately proved too much for the Crimson Tide to overcome. The Gamecocks finished with a substantial 44-20 advantage in points in the paint, underlining how much Okot and Edwards controlled the interior battle.
South Carolina’s defense set the tone early, forcing turnovers and holding Alabama to limited shooting opportunities, especially in the opening quarter where the Gamecocks built the foundation for their win.
What This Means for South Carolina
The performance against Alabama adds another impressive chapter to South Carolina’s season and highlights the depth and balance of the roster. With both Okot and Edwards capable of taking over games inside and out, the Gamecocks continue to shape themselves into one of the most formidable teams in the Southeastern Conference and the nation.
As the season progresses, performances like these will be crucial in South Carolina’s push for both conference supremacy and deep postseason success — a testament to the coaching of Dawn Staley and the rising talent on her roster.
