A short-handed South Carolina women’s basketball team rolled past Penn State on Sunday, cruising to a 95-55 win, and sophomore forward Joyce Edwards was at the center of it all. Edwards delivered a monster performance, finishing with 29 points, six steals, five assists, four rebounds, and four blocks. She was remarkably efficient, shooting 65% from the floor, knocking down her lone three-point attempt, and committing no turnovers.
Her dominant outing etched her name into Gamecock history.
According to ESPN research, Edwards became the first South Carolina player in 22 years to record at least 25 points, five assists, and five steals in a single game. The last Gamecock to reach those marks was Kelly Morrone during the 2003–04 season against Mercer. Edwards is also the first USC forward in the modern statistical era to accomplish the feat.
The breakout showing came with South Carolina missing starting center Madina Okot. Adhel Tac drew the start in the post, while Maryam Dauda also logged minutes at the five. Even so, Edwards took on a larger role inside, spending more time at center than usual while still rotating through her natural forward spot.
Beyond the eye-popping stat line, Edwards made her impact felt in ways that don’t always show up on the box score.
Defensively, she was relentless. While she officially recorded six steals and four blocks, her work fronting and denying All–Big Ten center Gracie Merkle was just as important. Edwards’ activity around the rim disrupted shots, crowded space, and altered far more attempts than the four she blocked.
On the offensive end, Edwards scored with ease from every angle. She thrived in transition, broke down Penn State’s defense in the half court, capitalized on set plays, and cleaned up second-chance opportunities. Whether she was wide open or heavily defended, Edwards consistently found the bottom of the net. When double-teams came, she made the right reads, finding open teammates and nearly surpassing her five assists had a few more shots dropped.
Head coach Dawn Staley said South Carolina expects to get Okot back soon, which will only add another dominant presence to the lineup. Still, Staley made it clear after the win that Edwards’ approach won’t change regardless of who is on the floor with her.
“You know, Joyce is gonna play that way with Madina, without Madina, with anybody,” Staley said. “If it’s a game with a ball that’s being played, she’s gonna play to the best of her ability.”
Even with Christmas break underway, the Gamecocks won’t slow down for long. South Carolina returns to action on Thursday, heading to Tampa for a road matchup against South Florida. Tipoff is set for 7:00 p.m., with the game airing on ESPN2 and streaming on the ESPN app.
