South Carolina Women's Basketball Dominates Southern 103-34 to Extend Home NCAA Tournament Streak

COLUMBIA, S.C. — South Carolina Gamecocks women's basketball extended their dominance at Colonial Life Arena with a commanding 103-34 win over Southern Jaguars women's basketball in the first round of the NCAA Tournament, marking their 17th consecutive home tournament victory.

Joyce Edwards led the charge with 27 points and eight rebounds, while Ta'Niya Latson added 17 points as the Gamecocks showcased why they are the No. 1 seed and a perennial Final Four contender.

South Carolina opened the game with a 15-0 run, immediately asserting control and forcing Southern into early turnovers and poor shot selection. Edwards, who finished 11 of 14 from the field, was dominant in the paint and consistently found space for easy baskets. Latson contributed to the offensive surge, including a highlight play where she fed Edwards on a behind-the-back pass leading to a simple bucket. The Gamecocks led 25 points at halftime and then outscored the Jaguars 32-2 in the third quarter, putting the contest out of reach early.

The Gamecocks’ performance highlighted a roster stacked with depth and talent. Madina Okot and Agot Makeer each scored 15 points, while Tessa Johnson recorded 14 points and a career-high 10 rebounds. This offensive display allowed South Carolina to post their second-highest point total in NCAA Tournament history and achieve their largest margin of victory in tournament play.

Southern, the Southwestern Athletic Conference champions, entered the tournament after a First Four victory over Samford and were unable to match South Carolina’s athleticism and size. Jocelyn Tate led the Jaguars with 10 points, but the team struggled to generate consistent scoring or defensive stops. Southern was limited to just 34 points on the evening and could not contain the Gamecocks’ high-pressure offense.

Coach Dawn Staley emphasized her team’s talent and poise after the game. “I just thought they got out-talented tonight,” she said. “I want our players to play with joy.” The Gamecocks, 32-3 on the season, have now compiled an 83-1 record at home over the past five seasons, underscoring their dominance at Colonial Life Arena and their readiness for deep tournament runs.

South Carolina’s path forward in the tournament will continue on Monday when they face the winner of the No. 8 seed Clemson Tigers women's basketball versus No. 9 seed USC Trojans women's basketball matchup. The Gamecocks’ offensive efficiency, depth, and home court advantage make them a strong favorite to advance, while Southern will look to regroup after a season of exceeding expectations with a 20-14 record.

This game also served as a reminder of South Carolina’s commitment to culture and sportsmanship. Coach Staley gifted Southern players samples of her Louis Vuitton perfume, a small gesture that reflected her leadership beyond the court.

With Edwards, Latson, Okot, and Johnson performing at peak levels, South Carolina enters the second round with momentum, experience, and confidence. Analysts will watch how their balance of scoring, defensive pressure, and tournament poise translates against potentially stronger opponents as they pursue their sixth straight Final Four appearance.

South Carolina’s latest showing cements their status as a powerhouse in women’s college basketball, demonstrating why they are favored to compete for a national championship this season.