South Carolina's freshman shines in tourney debut

I told   you a few days ago that stars are made in March Madness.   Well, freshman Joyce Edwards scored 22 points in her first women's NCAA Tournament game as the No.  1 seed Gamecock began its run at a second straight national title with a 108-48 victory over Tennessee Tech on Friday.

As a result, the Gamecocks (31-3) have improved to 17-1 in the past four women's tournaments, with victories in 2022 and 2024.  Caitlin Clark and Iowa were the only team to defeat them in the 2023 national semifinals.

In her NCAA debut, Edwards scored more points than the Gamecocks national champion and WNBA No. 1 overall pick Aliyah Boston, who scored 20 against Mercer in 2021. 

Edwards' impressive performance in her debut suggests she could be a key player for the Gamecocks in their quest for another title. Her scoring ability and poise under pressure make her a formidable asset in high-stakes games. If she continues to perform at this level, Edwards may become a pivotal factor in South Carolina's success throughout the tournament.

Taris Thornton led Tennessee Tech with 13 points.

All 12 Gamecocks scored, including MiLaysia Fulwiley with 15 points, Tessa Johnson with 11 points, 6 assists, and 5 rebounds.

A spot in the Sweet 16 awaits South Carolina against ninth-seeded Indiana on Sunday.  The Hoosiers outlasted eighth-seeded Utah 76-68 earlier Friday.