Edwards Helps U.S. to 3x3 World Cup Gold

COLUMBIA, S.C. – South Carolina sophomore forward Joyce Edwards averaged 4.4 points and 4.1 rebounds to help the United States to its fourth gold medal in the FIBA 3×3 World Cup. Playing seven games in Warsaw, Poland, Edwards was the top U.S. rebounder twice and top scorer once, shooting 52.1 percent from the field.

The gold medal is Edwards’ fourth when competing for USA Basketball but her first in 3×3 action.  Her previous three gold medals came in 5×5 events – 2025 FIBA AmeriCup, 2024 FIBA U18 AmeriCup and 2023 FIBA U19 World Cup.

The U.S. went undefeated to win Pool B, topping Hungary, Australia, Mongolia and Spain. Edwards as the top scoring and rebounding American in the 20-17 win over Mongolia with seven points and eight rebounds in Thursday’s first game.

In Saturday’s quarterfinals, the U.S. eked by France 18-16 with Edwards netting six points and a team-high four rebounds to send the Americans into the medal rounds on Sunday.

A back-and-forth semifinal against Azerbaijan included 11 ties and overtime as the American had to rally late for the win. After Azerbaijan took a 12-10 lead with 2:34 to play, Edwards scored on back-to-back possessions inside. Free throws allowed Azerbaijan to stay two points ahead of the U.S. over the next two possessions. The Americans scored four straight points to go up 17-15 with 10 seconds remaining before a buzzer-beater send the game to overtime. In the extra period, the game would be decided by the first team to score to points. The U.S. struck first and after the 11th tie, hit the final shot to win the game 19-18.

The gold medal game was a rematch against Australia after the Americans won 21-18 in pool play. The U.S. jumped out to a 4-0 lead and led by six as Edwards capped a 3-0 run for an 11-5 advantage. Australia continued to fight back, using turnovers to fuel a 5-0 run that knotted the game at 17-17 and later take a 20-19 lead with under a minute to play. As the clock wound down, the U.S. missed a potential game-winning 2-pointer but got the rebound and the second long-range attempt went in to deliver the gold medal.

Joining Edwards on the U.S. team were MiLaysia Fulwiley (LSU), Mikaylah Williams (LSU) and Sahara Williams (Oklahoma).

Continue to check GamecocksOnline.com and the team’s social media accounts (@GamecockWBB) for the most up-to-date information on the women’s basketball program.