South Carolina lived up to its “Real SC” billing on Saturday, using a dominant third quarter to break open a tight, defensive battle and secure a 69–52 win over No. 8 Southern Cal.
The Trojans came in with a four-guard lineup and limited interior scoring threats, but the Gamecocks didn’t fully exploit their size advantage until after halftime. Once the third quarter began, everything changed.
South Carolina absolutely controlled the glass in that frame, outrebounding Southern Cal 18–6, including 10 on the offensive end. Those extra possessions led to four second-chance points and eight fast-break points, quickly transforming a slim two-point edge at the break into a double-digit cushion.
From there, the Gamecocks’ defense slammed the door shut. Just days after holding Clemson to 0–17 shooting in the fourth quarter, South Carolina allowed Southern Cal only seven points on 3–14 shooting in the final period.
Dawn Staley credited Madina Okot for her presence in the paint, saying:
“I’m going to give a lot of credit to Madina (Okot), who just really controlled the paint. She was where we needed her to be time and time again. She needed it just from a confidence standpoint, knowing that we need her. (…) She’s part of us finding our identity.”
South Carolina finished with a staggering 56–32 rebounding advantage and held USC to just 33% shooting. The Gamecocks shot 41% themselves, including 48% after halftime as their size and athleticism began to overwhelm the Trojans.
Even USC head coach Lindsay Gottlieb noted the difference, saying:
“It’s one thing to talk about it, it’s one thing to see it on film, and it’s another thing to experience it. 52 points is not going to win a lot of games.”
The Gamecocks suffocated USC’s top scorers, Londynn Jones and Jazzy Davidson, who entered the matchup averaging 17.5 points each. South Carolina held them to a combined 12 points on 6–21 shooting, without a single made three.
Joyce Edwards paced South Carolina with 17 points and 10 rebounds, while Raven Johnson tallied 14 points and 11 rebounds. Okot dominated the glass with 15 rebounds and added six points.
Staley praised Edwards’ two-way performance, saying:
“I’m challenging (Edwards) to be the best two-way player every time she steps on the floor. She’s goal-oriented, so if she’s that for us, we’re going to win a lot of basketball games.”
After a quiet first half, Ta’Niya Latson and Tessa Johnson regrouped to finish with 12 and 14 points. Johnson also dished out a game-high five assists.
Edwards summed up the team’s progress, explaining:
“We’re continuing to find our identity, keeping flow in our offense. I feel like our defense has really improved through the season… just keeping that strong, sharing the ball, keeping everybody involved (…) just the fundamentals.”
South Carolina jumped out to an 18–8 lead early, but foul trouble for Latson—and later Edwards—slowed the offense. USC battled back, especially with South Carolina’s stars on the bench, even briefly taking a 28–27 lead.
However, despite freshman Jazzy Davidson returning after early foul trouble, the Trojans couldn’t capitalize, and the Gamecocks regained control.
For USC, Kennedy Smith and Kara Dunn each scored 12 points, with Dunn leading the Trojans in rebounds with five.
Additional Notes:
– This matchup was the first in the two-game “The Real SC” series, held at Crypto.com Arena. The rematch will take place next year in Greenville.
– Former Gamecock Aliyah Boston and future Gamecock Kaeli Wynn attended the game.
– Agot Makeer held her own against Davidson, finishing with four points and four boards.
– South Carolina’s bench contributed only eight minutes after halftime.
– The Gamecocks committed 17 turnovers, many coming from forcing transition.
– Londynn Jones, who went 5-for-5 from deep against South Carolina last season at UCLA, shot 0-for-4 this time.
– Dawn Staley wore a black zip-up hoodie.
– Attendance was announced at 8,150.
– South Carolina returns to action Wednesday against Winthrop.
