Joyce Edwards scores just 28 points, and South Carolina defeats Florida to win the SEC.

The University of South Carolina women’s basketball team has been a dominant force in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) for several years, and their 2024 SEC Championship win only further solidified their place at the top of college basketball. In a thrilling SEC Tournament final, the Gamecocks faced off against a formidable Florida Gators team, securing a 79-67 victory. While Joyce Edwards, South Carolina’s star forward, had an extraordinary performance by contributing 28 points, the win was a testament to the collective effort of the team, their resilience under pressure, and their ability to execute when it mattered most.

As Edwards put up 28 points in the championship game, it became clear that South Carolina’s championship run wasn’t just about one player. It was about a well-oiled team with chemistry, a high level of coaching, and a determination to extend their reign in the SEC. Edwards, with her relentless effort, was one of the key contributors, but it was the overall depth and strength of the Gamecocks’ lineup that made this victory significant. The team’s ability to adapt, push through adversity, and remain focused was pivotal in ensuring that the SEC trophy remained in Columbia.

Let’s break down the game and examine why Joyce Edwards’ 28-point performance stood out and how South Carolina’s comprehensive team effort paved the way to another SEC championship.

The Road to the SEC Final

The SEC Tournament is always one of the most competitive in women’s college basketball, featuring some of the nation’s top-ranked teams. For South Carolina, the journey to the championship was one marked by dominance. Head coach Dawn Staley has created a powerhouse program, one that is known for tough defense, fast-paced offense, and an ability to close out games under pressure.

In the quarterfinals, South Carolina easily dispatched LSU, showing their defensive prowess and their ability to capitalize on transition opportunities. Then, in the semifinals, they faced a Mississippi State team that had upset several higher seeds during the tournament. South Carolina’s talent, led by Edwards, was simply too much for Mississippi State, and the Gamecocks moved on to the final without dropping a game.

In the other half of the bracket, the Florida Gators made a statement, upending several higher-seeded teams in their path to the SEC Championship game. The Gators, led by their dynamic backcourt, had been one of the season’s most unpredictable and dangerous teams. Their explosive offense and aggressive defense had earned them the respect of the league, and Florida entered the final hoping to dethrone the Gamecocks and claim their first SEC title in school history.

The Championship Game: South Carolina vs. Florida

The SEC Championship game was a high-stakes contest with both teams bringing their best to the floor. South Carolina was a heavy favorite going into the matchup, but Florida came in hot and eager for an upset. The Gators managed to stay within striking distance for most of the game, but South Carolina’s depth, experience, and overall talent proved to be too much in the end.

First Half: Back-and-Forth Battle

From the opening tip, the game was a fast-paced affair. Florida came out with energy, utilizing their dynamic perimeter shooting to stay close to the Gamecocks early on. Players like Jasmine Thomas and Kiki Smith were able to knock down big shots from beyond the arc, keeping the score tight. Florida’s defense also proved to be an obstacle for South Carolina’s offensive flow, particularly in the first quarter, where the Gators managed to disrupt some of South Carolina’s sets.

Despite the early challenges, the Gamecocks had their own weapons. Zia Cooke, South Carolina’s sharpshooting guard, provided instant offense with her scoring ability, while Aliyah Boston, the reigning National Player of the Year, set the tone inside with her tenacity on the boards and her presence in the paint. However, it was Edwards’ sheer determination and scoring ability that stood out in the first half. Her ability to score from anywhere—whether it was in the post, driving to the basket, or hitting long-range shots—kept South Carolina in the game and allowed them to take a 42-38 lead at halftime.

Edwards’ versatility was on full display as she displayed poise under pressure, taking and making shots in critical moments. Although she was clearly the focal point of the offense, her teammates did a great job of spacing the floor, ensuring that Edwards had room to operate. Florida’s defense had a hard time containing her, as she relentlessly attacked both in the half-court offense and during transition plays.

Second Half: Edwards Takes Over, South Carolina Clinches the Title

As the second half began, it was clear that the game was still up for grabs. Florida continued to make its runs, capitalizing on some of South Carolina’s defensive lapses and finding success on offense with Florida’s post players. Leilani Correa, in particular, was effective in the paint, drawing fouls and putting pressure on the Gamecocks’ defense. Florida’s full-court press also caused some initial problems for South Carolina, leading to a few turnovers early in the third quarter.

However, Joyce Edwards would not let her team falter. Edwards came out of halftime with a sense of urgency and began to assert her dominance. She scored at will, both inside and outside, showing off an array of post moves, mid-range jumpers, and even connecting on a couple of three-pointers. Her 28 points were not just a product of her scoring ability, but also her leadership—she helped guide her teammates, demanding they rise to the occasion.

South Carolina’s defense also stepped up in the second half. Although Florida continued to shoot well, the Gamecocks’ defense tightened around the perimeter, limiting open looks. With Edwards scoring and Boston controlling the paint, South Carolina started to extend their lead. Edwards’ performance sparked an energy that allowed the Gamecocks to increase their intensity on both sides of the ball. By the time the fourth quarter arrived, the Gamecocks had built an 11-point lead.

Florida, however, refused to go quietly. They fought back, making it a game with a few late three-pointers and fast-break opportunities. But every time they threatened to make it a one-possession game, South Carolina answered with key plays. Edwards kept the pressure on, scoring crucial buckets, and the Gamecocks’ defense, led by Boston and Brea Beal, was able to make the stops needed to seal the victory.

In the end, the Gamecocks secured the 79-67 win, capturing their third consecutive SEC Tournament title. Edwards’ 28 points were the highlight of the game, but it was the balanced effort from the entire team that led to their victory. Boston finished with a double-double, adding 14 points and 12 rebounds, while Cooke contributed 15 points and 4 assists. Florida’s challenge was met with resilience, but South Carolina’s collective effort proved too strong.

Joyce Edwards: A Star in the Making

Joyce Edwards’ performance in the SEC Championship game was a statement to the rest of the country. As a sophomore, she has already cemented herself as one of the best players in the country. Her 28-point performance in a high-pressure situation shows that Edwards has not only the talent but also the mental fortitude to thrive under pressure.

Edwards’ versatility is perhaps her most impressive quality. While she’s known for her scoring, her ability to impact the game in multiple ways—rebounding, passing, defending—makes her a well-rounded player. South Carolina’s offense runs through her, and the way she can score from all areas of the court makes her difficult to stop. Whether facing double teams or operating in isolation, Edwards has shown time and again that she can carry a team when needed.

Her leadership is also evident. Edwards doesn’t just score; she makes plays for others and holds her teammates accountable. She has the ability to rally the team, and that was on full display during the SEC Tournament, particularly in the final. Edwards’ performance has not only solidified her as one of the top players in the country, but it has made her an undeniable presence on the court. With more big games ahead, Edwards’ trajectory is one that basketball fans will continue to watch closely.

Florida’s Strong Performance and Bright Future

While Florida fell short in the championship game, their performance throughout the SEC Tournament proved that they are on the rise. Florida has built a team that is capable of competing at the highest levels of women’s college basketball, and their play against South Carolina showed they are only a few steps away from breaking through.

The Gators were led by the strong play of Jasmine Thomas, who finished with 22 points, and Leilani Correa, who contributed 14 points and 7 rebounds. Florida’s mix of veteran experience and youthful energy made them a tough opponent, and the way they kept fighting back in the second half showed a resilience that will serve them well in future tournaments.

Although Florida fell short of the SEC title, their performance in the SEC Tournament indicates that they will be a team to watch in the coming years. With several key players returning and the continued development of their younger talent, the Gators have a bright future ahead.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for South Carolina?

With their third SEC Tournament title in a row under their belt, South Carolina will now turn their attention to the NCAA Tournament. The Gamecocks, led by Dawn Staley, are once again one of the favorites to win the national championship, and their depth, experience, and leadership will make

them a tough out for any team in the tournament.

For Edwards, the SEC Championship was just another milestone in what promises to be a long and successful career. As South Carolina heads into the NCAA Tournament, their sights are set on adding another championship to their already impressive resume, and with players like Edwards leading the way, they are well-positioned to make another deep run.