Dawn Staley’s Gamecocks Crush Bowling Green 114–47 as Joyce Edwards, Freshmen Shine in Dominant Win
The No. 2 South Carolina women’s basketball team continued its early-season dominance Friday night, dismantling Bowling Green State 114–47 at Colonial Life Arena. The win pushed the Gamecocks to 2–0 on the season and showcased once again why they are one of the most feared programs in the nation.
South Carolina led from start to finish — literally. The Gamecocks were in control for all but 19 seconds, turning a strong first quarter into a full-game offensive onslaught. Freshman phenom Joyce Edwards led the charge with a game-high 24 points, while Raven Johnson and Madina Okot both posted impressive double-doubles. Johnson tallied 11 points and 11 assists, and Okot added 13 points and 11 rebounds, highlighting South Carolina’s balance and depth.
Staley Tops Another Former Assistant
Friday’s matchup was more than just another win — it marked Dawn Staley’s second victory this week over a former South Carolina assistant coach. Bowling Green’s Fred Chmiel, who worked under Staley from 2015 to 2023, became the latest in a line of ex-Gamecock staffers to face their old boss.
Earlier in the week, Staley’s team opened the season by defeating Grand Canyon, led by another former USC assistant, Winston Gandy. The victory also improved Staley’s record to 4–0 against her former assistants who went on to become head coaches, including the late Nikki McCray-Penson.
After the loss, Chmiel was quick to praise both Staley and the atmosphere inside Colonial Life Arena.
“The environment is incredible,” Chmiel said. “It’s a lot to handle, and it was a lot for us to handle. You try to warn these young people about what they’re about to walk into. But there’s nothing that duplicates Colonial Life Arena — nowhere in the country. I’m proud of my team for their fight in the second half. And I’m very impressed with Coach Staley’s team. I think they’re a national championship-type team.”
Offense Firing on All Cylinders
The Gamecocks’ offense has started the 2025–26 season on fire. Their 114-point explosion tied for the second-most points in program history, surpassing last season’s single-game high of 108 (set during the NCAA Tournament against Tennessee Tech).
Freshman standout Joyce Edwards said the team’s firepower comes from its versatility and depth.
“We knew that we have a lot of offense,” Edwards said. “We have impactful freshmen, impactful transfers. I mean, we took in the nation’s leading scorer. We’re literally an offensive team. Scoring isn’t really a problem for us. Anybody can go off at any time, and that’s one of the blessings of being at South Carolina.”
The Gamecocks shot 63.6% from the field, with every player who stepped on the court recording at least one basket. Seven players finished in double figures, a clear sign of the team’s unselfishness and depth.
South Carolina’s early schedule has featured mid-major opponents, but tougher tests await, including Clemson and Southern Cal next week.
Freshmen Step Up Amid Injuries
With Maddy McDaniel sidelined due to a knee injury, South Carolina’s freshman guards Agot Makeer and Ayla McDowell rose to the occasion.
Makeer entered early after Tessa Johnson picked up two quick fouls and immediately made her presence felt, scoring nine points in the first quarter alone. She finished with 12 points and three rebounds in just 16 minutes before leaving late in the third quarter with a lower-back injury.
McDowell also impressed, contributing 11 points and three rebounds in 22 minutes of action. Coach Staley praised her maturity and consistency.
“Ayla is predictable, and there is nothing more that a coach wants from a freshman than to be predictable,” Staley said. “She’s in the right places. She can shoot the ball. She’s not gonna look like a Raven (Johnson), but her impact on and off the ball — she stays in plays and does what we ask of our guards. She plays it picture perfect.”
Injury Updates
Makeer’s late-game injury caused some concern as she limped off holding her lower back after a missed layup. Though she shot her free throws, she soon headed to the locker room and did not return. Staley offered a brief, hopeful update afterward:
“I mean, she’s not crying, so that’s a good thing.”
McDaniel, meanwhile, did not suit up after injuring her knee against Grand Canyon. Though she warmed up with the team, she wore a brace on her right knee and was ruled out for precautionary reasons.
“We wouldn’t have played her, no,” Staley said. “She’s just loading her up, trying to see how it responds after doing probably a little bit more than she’s done in a couple days.”
What’s Next for the Gamecocks
South Carolina will now turn its attention to a tough upcoming stretch:
- Tuesday: vs. Clemson (6 p.m., ESPN2)
- Saturday, Nov. 15: vs. Southern Cal in The Real SC (Los Angeles, 9 p.m., FOX)
- Wednesday, Nov. 19: vs. Winthrop (7 p.m., SEC Network Plus)
- Sunday, Nov. 23: vs. Queens (2 p.m., SEC Network Plus)
With their offense humming and their young stars stepping up, the Gamecocks look every bit like a team ready to contend for another national title — health permitting.
