Game Recap: South Carolina vs. Mississippi State
In a remarkable display of talent, Joyce Edwards led the No. 3 South Carolina Gamecocks to an impressive 88-45 victory against Mississippi State on Thursday night. With her 21-point performance, Edwards not only helped secure her team’s eighth consecutive win over the Bulldogs but also reached a significant milestone by surpassing the 1,000 career points mark. She joins the ranks of just two other sophomores from South Carolina’s storied program—Shelia Foster and the all-time leading scorer A’ja Wilson, whose jerseys are honored in the Colonial Life Arena.
Game Highlights
The Gamecocks (23-2, 9-1 SEC), who have faced challenges throughout the season with injuries and suspensions, began the game strongly, creating a commanding lead in the first quarter, thanks in part to Edwards, who scored nine of the team’s first 15 points. In stark contrast, the Mississippi State Bulldogs (16-8, 3-7), who have struggled recently with a record of just two wins in their last nine games after a promising start at 14-1, struggled to find their rhythm and were unable to keep pace with South Carolina’s offensive momentum.
Player Performances
Both Ta’Niya Latson and Agot Makeer, key starters for South Carolina, were absent for this match due to lower-leg injuries sustained in previous games against Auburn and Texas A&M. Nonetheless, the Gamecocks demonstrated their depth, particularly through Edwards, who not only shot an efficient 8-of-11 from the field but also matched her career high with six assists. Additionally, Ayla McDowell, making her first start, contributed significantly with 16 points, tying her personal best thanks to four successful 3-pointers. Madina Okot added to the dominant performance with a double-double, scoring 10 points and grabbing 10 rebounds, marking her 14th such achievement this season.
Bulldogs’ Struggles
On the Bulldogs’ side, Madison Francis was the standout performer, leading her team with 12 points. Unfortunately for Mississippi State, this game marked their lowest scoring output of the season, as they managed to hit only three of their 24 attempts from beyond the arc.
Looking Ahead
Looking ahead, Mississippi State is set to host Georgia on February 12, while South Carolina will face off against No. 19 Tennessee at home on Sunday.
