The South Carolina women’s basketball team wasted no time proving they were ready for this year’s NCAA Tournament.
Although the Gamecocks entered as the lowest-rated No. 1 seed in this year’s field, South Carolina opened with a blowout victory over No. 16 Southern on Saturday afternoon. The Gamecocks won 103-34, as the 69-point victory was the largest margin of victory for South Carolina in an NCAA Tournament game in school history.
The Gamecocks offense opened the game with a 15-0 run and never let its foot off the gas. South Carolina was up 44-19, then opened the third quarter outscoring the Jaguars 32-2.
Gamecock guard Joyce Edwards led the way, finishing with 27 points, eight rebounds and three assists. It was also a huge day for Tessa Johnson, who put up her first-ever career double double with 14 points and 10 rebounds. Senior Madina Okot added another 15 points and eight boards coming off the bench, and Ta'Niya Johnson added 14 points with 10 rebounds.
That first career double-double feeling 🤩 @tessajohnsonnnn pic.twitter.com/1vo5NrIGaz
— South Carolina Women's Basketball (@GamecockWBB) March 21, 2026
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Obviously South Carolina has a long way to go in this year’s NCAA tournament, especially after a disappointing loss to Texas in the SEC Tournament final. But winning at home by a historic margin is a great way to get things back on track for South Carolina’s postseason.
Next up for the Gamecocks will be a familiar opponent, taking on the winner of the No. 9 USC Trojans and No. 8 Clemson Tigers. The Gamecocks played and beat both teams during the regular season.