South Carolina's Joyce Edwards sets single-season scoring record

Edwards breaks 45-year-old program record in Final Four matchup against UConn

Apr. 4, 2026 at 12:09am

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An abstract, energetic painting featuring bold, neon-colored brushstrokes that capture the dynamic movement and scoring ability of a basketball player, representing South Carolina's Joyce Edwards and her record-breaking season.South Carolina's Joyce Edwards etches her name in the record books with a historic scoring performance in the Final Four.Greenville Today

South Carolina women's basketball sophomore forward Joyce Edwards set a new single-season scoring record for the program during the Final Four matchup against UConn. Edwards reached 755 total points on the season, surpassing the previous record of 754 set in 1977-78.

Why it matters

Edwards' record-breaking performance is a testament to her breakout season and cements her status as one of the top players in the country. The Gamecocks are making their sixth straight NCAA Tournament semifinal appearance under head coach Dawn Staley, further solidifying the program's elite status in women's basketball.

The details

Heading into the Final Four game, Edwards had 749 total points on the season. She reached the record-breaking 755th point early in the contest against UConn. Edwards has seen a significant jump in her scoring average this season, up to 19.7 points per game compared to 12.7 last year. She also reached the 1,000-career point milestone earlier this season, doing so in just 64 games, faster than Gamecocks legend A'ja Wilson.

  • Edwards set the single-season scoring record on April 3, 2026 during the Final Four matchup against UConn.
  • Edwards reached 1,000 career points on February 5, 2026, doing so in 64 games.

The players

Joyce Edwards

A sophomore forward for the South Carolina Gamecocks women's basketball team who set the program's single-season scoring record with 755 points.

Dawn Staley

The head coach of the South Carolina Gamecocks women's basketball team, leading them to their sixth straight NCAA Tournament semifinal appearance.

A'ja Wilson

A former Gamecocks women's basketball legend who scored her 1,000th career point in her 69th game, a record Edwards broke by reaching the milestone in 64 games.

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What they’re saying

“Joyce Edwards' record-breaking performance is a testament to her hard work and development as a player. She has become one of the most dominant forces in the game.”

— Dawn Staley, Head Coach, South Carolina Gamecocks

What’s next

The Gamecocks will face the winner of the other Final Four matchup in the national championship game on April 6, 2026.

The takeaway

Joyce Edwards' historic season has elevated the South Carolina Gamecocks to new heights, cementing their status as one of the premier women's basketball programs in the country. Her record-breaking performance is a testament to her individual talent and the strength of the Gamecocks' team as a whole.