South Carolina gets 'elite' Joyce Edwards just in time for UConn showdown

Gamecocks star forward dominates in Elite Eight win, setting up highly anticipated Final Four matchup with UConn's Sarah Strong

Mar. 31, 2026 at 9:04am

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South Carolina women's basketball star Joyce Edwards delivered a dominant performance in the Elite Eight, scoring 24 points with 12 rebounds, 3 blocks and 2 assists to lead the Gamecocks to a 78-52 win over TCU. The victory sends South Carolina to its sixth straight Final Four, where they will face undefeated UConn and star forward Sarah Strong in a highly anticipated matchup. Edwards struggled in last year's NCAA Tournament, but has emerged as an elite player this season, ranking 23rd nationally in scoring at 19.6 points per game.

Why it matters

South Carolina's success hinges on Edwards being at her best, as the Gamecocks look to reach their third straight national championship game under coach Dawn Staley. Edwards' dominant performance against TCU showed she is in prime form heading into the Final Four showdown with UConn and Sarah Strong, one of the top individual matchups of the tournament.

The details

In her first Elite Eight game as a freshman, Edwards had just 4 points and 1 rebound. But a year later, she was the driving force behind South Carolina's win over TCU, scoring 24 points on 50% shooting, grabbing 12 rebounds, blocking 3 shots and dishing 2 assists. Edwards took over when South Carolina's 6-foot-6 center Madina Okot struggled, scoring 14 points by halftime to keep the Gamecocks in control. Edwards' all-around effort, including diving for loose balls and making winning plays, was crucial in advancing to the Final Four.

  • On March 30, South Carolina defeated TCU 78-52 in the Elite Eight.
  • The Gamecocks will face UConn in the Final Four on April 3 (7 p.m. ET, ESPN).

The players

Joyce Edwards

A star forward for the South Carolina Gamecocks women's basketball team, Edwards is having a breakout season as a sophomore, ranking 23rd nationally in scoring at 19.6 points per game.

Sarah Strong

A standout forward for the UConn Huskies, Strong is one of the top players in the country, averaging 18.6 points per game and setting up a highly anticipated individual matchup with Edwards in the Final Four.

Dawn Staley

The head coach of the South Carolina Gamecocks, Staley has led the team to six straight Final Four appearances and is seeking her third national championship.

Madina Okot

South Carolina's 6-foot-6 center, who struggled against TCU but is a key part of the Gamecocks' frontcourt alongside Edwards.

Raven Johnson

The starting point guard for South Carolina, who praised Edwards' elite play and importance to the team's success.

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What they’re saying

“Joyce is Joyce, I will always tell her she's elite. I tell her every day nobody can guard her, if she comes ready to play, locked in, knowing what she can do, nobody can guard her. She is the elite of the elite.”

— Raven Johnson, South Carolina point guard

“God knew I needed Joyce in my life. She's been there for me, especially today, like I wasn't present and she was present, she was functioning. That makes me feel so good when I have somebody to help me.”

— Madina Okot, South Carolina center

What’s next

The winner of the South Carolina-UConn matchup in the Final Four will advance to the national championship game on April 6.

The takeaway

South Carolina's path to a third straight national title game goes through a showdown with undefeated UConn and star forward Sarah Strong. But the Gamecocks appear to have the elite talent they need in Joyce Edwards, who dominated the Elite Eight and is poised to lead her team past the Huskies.