Joyce Edwards Shines as Gamecocks Dominate Anderson in Exhibition Blowout, 112–31
COLUMBIA, S.C. — The defending national runner-up South Carolina women’s basketball team made a powerful statement in their exhibition opener, cruising to a 112–31 victory over Anderson University inside Colonial Life Arena on Thursday night.
Sophomore star Joyce Edwards lit up the court in her return to Columbia, scoring 27 points on 9-of-13 shooting and knocking down two 3-pointers — already nearly matching her total attempts from last season. It was a confident performance that showed the continued evolution of her offensive game.
South Carolina had three players finish in double figures, led by Edwards, with transfer center Madina Okot recording a dominant double-double in her debut — 17 points, 15 rebounds, and six blocks — while guard Ta’Niya Latson impressed in her first Gamecock appearance, tallying 17 points, three assists, two steals, and two blocks.
Freshman Agot Makeer made a strong first impression off the bench, contributing 16 points and a team-high five steals, showing poise and defensive awareness well beyond her years. In total, every player on the South Carolina roster scored and recorded at least one steal.
The Gamecocks shot 52.1% from the field in the first half and 53% overall, holding Anderson to single digits in each of the first two quarters. At halftime, South Carolina led 61–8, and by the end of the third quarter, the score ballooned to 85–23.
Head coach Dawn Staley made liberal use of her bench throughout the game, subbing out her entire starting five early in the third quarter to test different rotations. “We’re just scratching the surface,” Staley said postgame. “I’m proud of how our players attacked both ends and played for one another.”
Injury Updates and Roster Notes
The Gamecocks entered the season missing key contributors. Forward Chloe Kitts is sidelined for the entire 2025–26 season after tearing her ACL earlier this month. Her father confirmed on October 14 that she underwent successful surgery and has begun rehab. Kitts was present at practice this week, supporting teammates from the sidelines with a brace and crutches.
Ashlyn Watkins, another key forward, is also out for the year. After suffering an ACL injury in January, she announced in July that she would take a year off from both basketball and academics to recover fully.
Looking Ahead
South Carolina will play one more exhibition game — a neutral-site matchup against North Carolina on October 30 at 6 p.m. ET in Atlanta — before officially tipping off the regular season against Grand Canyon University on November 3 back at Colonial Life Arena.
The 2025–26 roster combines veteran experience with exciting new faces, and Thursday’s performance gave fans a glimpse of the fast-paced, aggressive brand of basketball that Dawn Staley’s squad is bringing back to the floor this season.
“We have different players, a different team, and a different style of play,” Edwards said after the win. “We’re just trying to be us — and have fun with it.”
