
South Carolina uses depth to reach NCAA title game
TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Lacking a true superstar like coach Dawn Staley’s previous title-winning teams, South Carolina used its depth, led by freshman Joyce Edwards, to wear down Texas and advance to the championship game of the women’s NCAA Tournament for the second consecutive season.
The Gamecocks’ reserves scored 35 points in their 74-57 win over the Longhorns on Friday night.
Staley was constantly shuttling fresh players in against Texas, saying at one point that the Longhorns had “weary legs.”
Edwards, Staley’s sensational freshman, led the way off the bench. She put together her best game of the NCAA Tournament since the opener, with 13 points, 11 rebounds and six assists. The 6-foot-3 forward blew by any Texas defender who tried to guard her for easy layups. That helped the Gamecocks to a 40-22 advantage in paint points.
She hadn’t scored in double figures in the tournament since having 22 in a win over Texas Tech in the first round.
Staley has won three national titles, the first with star A’ja Wilson and the second with Aliyah Boston, both of whom were in attendance Friday night. South Carolina won it all last season with a dominant center in Kamilla Cardoso. This version of the Gamecocks has relied upon a deep rotation with nine players getting solid minutes.
Edwards and the viral sensation MiLaysia Fulwiley have been the top two scorers all season. Fulwiley added seven points on Friday.
GAMECOCK NOTABLES
- After the win over Texas, South Carolina heads to its third national championship appearance in the last four years.
- The win was the Gamecocks’ 15th over a ranked opponent this season, setting a new program record.
- The Gamecocks exploded in the third quarter, outscoring Texas 20-9 to bring the lead to 14, their largest of the game at that point.
- South Carolina was hot from three, shooting 63.6 percent (7-for-11) from beyond the arc. It was the Gamecocks’ most 3s against a ranked opponent since hitting 10 against #13 Oklahoma on Jan. 19, 2025.
- Te-Hina Paopao led the way with 14 points, highlighted by three 3s, including one late in the second quarter that gave the Gamecocks the lead, which they ultimately maintained.
- Joyce Edwards was a powerhouse, picking up her fourth double-double of the season (13 points, 11 boards) in addition to a career-high six assists. Edwards became the first player with 10+ points, 10+ rebounds and 5+ assists off the bench in the Final Four in the last 25 seasons.
- Bree Hall finished in double-figure points for the seventh time this season, hitting a three to open the third quarter and kick off a 17-6 Gamecock run.