In a dominant performance that reinforced their status as one of the nation’s elite teams, the South Carolina Gamecocks women’s basketball extended their momentum with a 76-57 victory over the Alabama Crimson Tide women’s basketball in Tuscaloosa — a win fueled by toughness, rebounding and star frontcourt play that helped beat back a resilient Alabama squad.
With the win, South Carolina continues its remarkable run against the Crimson Tide, building on a lengthy stretch of success in this rivalry that has often favored the Gamecocks under head coach Dawn Staley.
Early Dominance Sets the Tone
From the opening tip, South Carolina came out aggressive on both ends. The Gamecocks raced to a fast start, taking control in the first quarter and effectively putting Alabama on its heels. By the first media timeout, South Carolina led 15-5, paced by sharp offensive execution and disciplined defense that limited Alabama’s looks.
Even when Alabama rallied — cutting the lead to seven as the game progressed — the Gamecocks never relented. Alabama shot well from behind the arc in the middle quarters, hitting 9 of 18 three-point attempts as they chipped away, but South Carolina’s balance and depth ultimately kept the Tide at bay.
Frontcourt Stars Deliver Double-Doubles
The win was anchored by standout performances from Joyce Edwards and Madina Okot, both of whom finished with double-doubles — a testament to their versatility and impact on the interior.
Edwards, known for her physicality and scoring presence in the paint, provided both offensive efficiency and rebounding prowess. Okot, a transfer whose size and skill have bolstered the Gamecocks’ frontcourt, combined scoring with strong boards to help control the glass and limit second-chance opportunities for Alabama.
Their efforts were critical down the stretch, particularly in the fourth quarter when South Carolina outscored Alabama 19-7 and tightened its defensive intensity, holding the Tide to just 2-of-12 shooting in the final period.
Fourth Quarter Breakthrough
The game’s decisive stretch came early in the fourth quarter. Joyce Edwards opened with consecutive layups that abruptly swung momentum back into the Gamecocks’ favor. Shortly afterward, Maddy McDaniel delivered a clean feed to Madina Okot, who nailed a crucial step-back three to ignite a game-ending run.
That spurt essentially sealed the contest, as South Carolina’s defense stepped up to stifle Alabama’s scoring rhythm and protect the cushion built earlier in the game.
A Broader Season Context
This victory underscores South Carolina’s consistency in SEC play and its ability to perform under pressure. The team has remained among the top programs nationally, with its roster featuring multiple impact players capable of contributing in different ways. Notably, Edwards has been a pivotal performer throughout the season, consistently scoring in double digits and acting as a scoring fulcrum.
Earlier in the season, the Gamecocks opened conference play with a convincing 83-57 win over Alabama in Columbia, extending a long winning streak against their SEC rival, even when playing without key contributors due to injury.
What It Means Moving Forward
For South Carolina, this win reinforces its championship-level credentials and gives the Gamecocks momentum as the season pushes into its critical stretch. With balanced scoring, interior strength and a coaching staff known for postseason preparedness, they continue to position themselves as a team capable of deep runs in both the SEC Tournament and NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament.
As for Alabama, the loss highlights areas for improvement — particularly in late-game defensive consistency — but also shows the Tide’s potential to challenge elite competition when their shot making is clicking.
