Joyce Edwards and No. 2 South Carolina give No. 5 LSU their season-opening defeat.

In one of the most highly anticipated matchups of the 2024-2025 women’s college basketball season, No. 2 South Carolina made a bold statement with a commanding victory over No. 5 LSU, handing the Tigers their first loss of the season. With a standout performance from freshman Joyce Edwards, the Gamecocks delivered a dominating 80-66 victory in front of a raucous home crowd at Colonial Life Arena in Columbia, South Carolina. The win not only showcased South Carolina’s depth and talent but also demonstrated the team’s resilience and ability to rise to the occasion in one of the most competitive conferences in women’s college basketball.

As the season opener for both teams, this game was loaded with expectations. LSU, led by their veteran head coach Kim Mulkey, was coming off a national championship and had looked nearly unbeatable in the early stretch of the season. The Tigers were loaded with talent, including Angel Reese, one of the most dominant players in college basketball. However, South Carolina, under the leadership of Dawn Staley, was equally formidable, boasting a roster full of experienced players and dynamic newcomers, including Edwards, who was making waves even in her first season.

The Game’s Significance: A Clash of the Titans

Both teams had been near the top of the rankings heading into the season. LSU, fresh off their 2024 NCAA championship, was aiming to defend their title with a deep, talented roster that included both proven veterans and highly touted freshmen. Angel Reese, named the NCAA Tournament’s Most Outstanding Player in 2024, returned for her senior year, and many expected the Tigers to continue their dominance throughout the season.

South Carolina, on the other hand, was aiming to reassert its place at the top of the college basketball world. The Gamecocks had been a perennial powerhouse under coach Dawn Staley, winning the 2022 NCAA Championship and finishing as a runner-up in 2023. The Gamecocks’ roster was stacked with talent, including Zia Cooke, Aliyah Boston, and a host of emerging stars, but the spotlight quickly turned to Joyce Edwards, who was making an immediate impact as a freshman.

The matchup had all the ingredients of a classic — two of the top teams in the country, both with championship aspirations, facing off early in the season. The result would provide a glimpse into which team was poised to make a run for the title and whether South Carolina could continue its rise to the top or if LSU would maintain its grip on the crown.

Joyce Edwards: The Freshman Star

While the Gamecocks were already filled with talent, Joyce Edwards, a highly touted freshman from West Columbia, South Carolina, emerged as the star of the night. Edwards had come into the game with high expectations, having been named a McDonald’s All-American and the South Carolina Gatorade Player of the Year. She had made an immediate impression during preseason workouts, earning rave reviews for her athleticism, defense, and offensive prowess.

In the win against LSU, Edwards delivered on every bit of that promise. She finished with an impressive 24 points, 12 rebounds, and 5 assists, leading the Gamecocks in nearly every statistical category. Her ability to both score and create for others made her an essential part of South Carolina’s offense. Edwards was particularly effective in the second half, where she took over the game and helped the Gamecocks extend their lead.

Edwards’ performance wasn’t just about scoring; it was about her poise in such a high-pressure situation. Despite the stakes and the overwhelming talent on the floor, she played with the maturity of a seasoned veteran, making critical plays at key moments. Whether it was hitting clutch shots, grabbing tough rebounds, or defending LSU’s top players, Edwards was everywhere for South Carolina.

Her ability to match the physicality and intensity of LSU’s veteran players set the tone for the Gamecocks, and it quickly became clear that South Carolina would not be intimidated by the defending champions. Edwards also showed her basketball IQ, reading the defense and making plays in transition that caught LSU off guard.

South Carolina’s Dominant Performance

South Carolina’s performance in this game was nothing short of impressive. The Gamecocks came out of the gates strong, building an early lead with aggressive defense and fast-paced offense. The team’s ball movement was exceptional, with Cooke and Boston creating open looks for Edwards and their other teammates.

One of the keys to South Carolina’s success was their defensive intensity. The Gamecocks made life difficult for LSU’s star players, particularly Angel Reese. Reese had been dominating opponents all season, but against South Carolina, she struggled to find consistent scoring opportunities. South Carolina’s defense, led by Victoria Saxton and Brea Beal, was relentless, forcing LSU to take contested shots and disrupting their offensive flow. While Reese still managed to score 18 points, she was clearly frustrated by the Gamecocks’ defensive schemes, which held LSU to just 66 points — a low total for a team that had been averaging over 80 points per game in the early season.

South Carolina’s rebounding was another key factor in the victory. The Gamecocks dominated the boards, out-rebounding LSU by a margin of 45-31. Edwards’ performance on the glass was particularly notable, as she hauled in several crucial offensive rebounds that extended possessions for her team. The Gamecocks also capitalized on second-chance opportunities, converting many of those extra possessions into points.

South Carolina’s offensive efficiency was another factor that contributed to their victory. The Gamecocks shot a strong 48% from the field, with Edwards, Cooke, and Boston leading the way. Their ability to stretch the floor and hit timely shots kept LSU’s defense on its heels, and they took advantage of the Tigers’ inability to contain their ball movement. South Carolina’s quick transitions and fast break points also added to their success, making it clear that they were prepared to challenge LSU’s defense from every angle.

LSU’s Struggles: A Season-Opening Setback

While LSU had been rolling through the early part of the season, the Gamecocks exposed some of the weaknesses in the Tigers’ game. Angel Reese and Alexis Morris, two of LSU’s most talented players, were stifled by South Carolina’s defensive schemes, and the Tigers struggled to maintain offensive flow for much of the game. Reese was frequently double-teamed in the post, and Morris, who had been a key playmaker for LSU, was unable to get into an offensive rhythm.

LSU also found themselves outmatched in terms of physicality, as South Carolina consistently won the battle on the boards and imposed their will in the paint. The Tigers had been known for their ability to dominate in the post, but against South Carolina, their frontline was unable to handle the Gamecocks’ size and strength.

The Tigers also struggled with turnovers, committing 14 turnovers in the game — many of which were forced by South Carolina’s aggressive defense. LSU’s inability to take care of the ball allowed the Gamecocks to capitalize on fast break opportunities and build momentum.

Despite their struggles, LSU made a run in the fourth quarter to close the gap, but South Carolina held firm, with Edwards continuing to make plays down the stretch. The Gamecocks’ composure in the final minutes was a testament to their maturity and readiness to face the challenges that come with being one of the top programs in the country.

South Carolina’s Statement Victory

The win was more than just a season-opening victory for South Carolina — it was a statement. The Gamecocks showed that they were more than capable of competing with and defeating the reigning national champions. With the emergence of Joyce Edwards, who solidified her place as one of the top freshmen in the country, South Carolina now had another weapon to complement their already deep roster.

The victory over LSU not only boosted South Carolina’s confidence heading into the rest of the season but also sent a message to the rest of the country. With Edwards, Cooke, Boston, and the rest of the Gamecocks, this team was prepared to contend for another national title and had the talent to take down any opponent.

For LSU, the loss was a bitter pill to swallow, but it wasn’t the end of their season. The Tigers would undoubtedly learn from the defeat and look to adjust their game plans moving forward. It would also serve as a reminder that no team, no matter how talented, is immune from an upset if they aren’t performing at their best.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Both Teams

For South Carolina, the victory over LSU was just the beginning of a long and challenging season. The Gamecocks will need to maintain their focus as they move through their SEC schedule, which remains one of the toughest in women’s college basketball. With the emergence of Joyce Edwards and the continued leadership of Zia Cooke and Aliyah Boston, South Carolina is poised for another deep tournament run, but the challenge of staying at the top will only get harder.

As for LSU, this defeat serves as a wake-up call for the defending champions. Coach Kim Mulkey will undoubtedly make adjustments to her team’s game plan, particularly in terms of their offensive execution and defense. The Tigers will need to regroup, refocus, and prove that their early-season struggles were just a bump in the road on their way to another potential championship run.

For now, though, it’s South Carolina’s moment to shine. With a huge win over LSU, the Gamecocks are sending a clear message that they are more than ready to compete for the top spot in women’s college basketball once again.