Gamecocks Dominate Tennessee Tech to Kick Off March Madness

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — It was a stellar debut for freshman Joyce Edwards as she scored 22 points in her first-ever NCAA Tournament game, leading South Carolina to a commanding 108-48 win over Tennessee Tech on Friday. The victory marked the beginning of the Gamecocks’ quest for a second consecutive national title, as they now stand at 31-3 for the season.

With this win, South Carolina has extended its remarkable NCAA Tournament record to 17-1 over the past four years, having claimed titles in 2022 and 2024. The only hiccup during this run was a semifinal loss to Caitlin Clark and Iowa in 2023.

Edwards, who was recently named to the All-Southeastern Conference First Team, proved why she’s a key player for the top-seeded Gamecocks in the Birmingham 2 Regional. The 6-foot-3 forward admitted to being nervous before the game, but quickly settled into her rhythm. “Everything comes at you, you don’t know what to expect,” Edwards said. “Once you get your first rebound, the nerves settle down.”

Her 22-point performance eclipsed the 20 points Aliyah Boston, a national champion and WNBA No. 1 overall pick, scored in her NCAA debut against Mercer in 2021.

South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley praised Edwards’ tenacity on the court, noting how her energy has made her a favorite among her veteran teammates. “The basket gets big,” Staley said, referring to Edwards’ offensive surge once she sees the ball go through the hoop.

Looking ahead, the Gamecocks will face ninth-seeded Indiana on Sunday for a spot in the Sweet 16. Indiana triumphed over eighth-seeded Utah 76-68 earlier in the day.

Edwards helped spark the Gamecocks early, scoring six straight points to push the lead to 31-11. Meanwhile, Tennessee Tech, champions of the Ohio Valley Conference, saw their 17-game win streak come to an end. Taris Thornton led the Golden Eagles with 13 points.

MiLaysia Fulwiley also contributed with 15 points, while the Gamecocks showcased their depth, with all 12 players on the roster getting into the scoring column.

Tennessee Tech head coach Kim Rosamond was quick to recognize the overall strength of the Gamecocks, especially their offensive efficiency. “If they shoot the basketball like that the rest of the way, they’re going to be almost impossible to beat,” Rosamond said after the game.

GAMECOCK NOTABLES:

• South Carolina’s 108 points set a new program record for the most points scored in an NCAA Tournament game, surpassing the 100 they scored against Quinnipiac in the 2017 Sweet 16.
• The 60-point victory margin, 43 field goals made, 12 three-pointers, and a 67.2% field goal percentage all set new program records in NCAA Tournament history.
• The Gamecocks bench was dominant, scoring 66 points—outscoring the entire Tennessee Tech team (48)—marking the highest bench points ever in an NCAA Tournament game.
• Edwards’ 22 points made her the sixth South Carolina freshman to score 20 or more points in an NCAA Tournament game, with her total being the highest since Alaina Coates also scored 22 against North Carolina in the 2014 Sweet 16.
• MiLaysia Fulwiley was a standout contributor, finishing with 15 points, five assists, four blocks, and three steals.
• Tessa Johnson had a strong shooting performance, making 3-of-4 from beyond the arc, totaling 11 points, and matching her career-high with six assists.