Gamecock leads Team USA to gold at FIBA AmeriCup, topping former teammates in final

South Carolina women's basketball sophomore star Joyce Edwards continues to shine on the international stage, adding another gold medal to her already impressive resume. On Sunday night, Edwards helped to lead Team USA to a 92-84 win over Brazil in the gold medal game of the 2025 FIBA Women's AmeriCup in Santiago, Chile. The matchup featured strong ties to the South Carolina Gamecocks on both sides of the court. Brazil's squad featured former Gamecock star Kamilla Cardoso and incoming freshman Ayla McDowell, who both helped to create a dominant showdown that made Gamecock women's basketball head coach Dawn Staley proud.

The international game was a gritty, back-and-forth battle on the court. After trailing by two at halftime and again while entering the fourth quarter, Team USA surged behind a clutch play by Edwards. She came up with a key steal and layup early in the final frame, then scored back-to-back buckets. Her presence helped to push Team USA ahead by double digits with just over two minutes left to play. Edwards finished the night with 11 points, seven rebounds, and not to mention the signature poise that Gamecock Natin has come to expect and love.

This is Edwards' third gold medal in as many summers, joining her 2024 FIBA U18 AmeriCup, where she was MVP, and 2023 FIBA U19 World Cup titles. Edwards' was also Team USA's top scorer during group play in this season's AmeriCup.

On the other side of the court, Kamilla Cardoso was dominant for Brazil, dropping 19 points and eight rebounds in the final. She finished the tournament averaging 14.9 points and a tournament-high of 9.9 rebounds per game, while shooting 68% from the field. McDowell notched 2.3 points and one steal per game across four contests, taking home her first medal on the international stage.