South Carolina Gamecocks Launch NCAA Tournament with Decisive 103-34 Victory Over Southern Jaguars
In a commanding display of dominance, the No. 1 seed South Carolina Gamecocks kicked off their NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament campaign with a resounding 103-34 triumph over the 16th-seeded Southern University Jaguars on Saturday. This victory extends South Carolina's impressive streak to 17 consecutive home wins in the NCAA Tournament, solidifying their status as a formidable contender in March Madness.
Joyce Edwards Leads the Charge with 27 Points in Gamecocks' Rout
Joyce Edwards was the standout performer for South Carolina, delivering an exceptional 27 points and securing eight rebounds. Her early contributions set the tone for the game, as she scored the first two baskets, igniting a 15-0 opening run that left Southern struggling to find their footing. The Gamecocks, boasting a season record of 32-3, maintained relentless pressure throughout, showcasing their offensive prowess and defensive tenacity.
Southern, the Southwestern Athletic Conference champions with a 20-14 record, faced an uphill battle from the start. They began the game with a dismal 0-for-7 shooting performance and committed six turnovers in the opening minutes, unable to counter South Carolina's aggressive play. The third quarter proved particularly devastating for the Jaguars, as they were outscored 32-2, highlighting the Gamecocks' overwhelming superiority.
Supporting Cast Shines in South Carolina's Balanced Attack
Beyond Edwards, South Carolina's victory was a team effort with multiple players making significant contributions. Ta’Niya Latson added 17 points, while Madina Okot and Agot Makeer each chipped in 15 points. Tessa Johnson also had a notable performance, scoring 14 points and grabbing a career-high 10 rebounds, underscoring the depth and versatility of the Gamecocks' roster.
Southern, who had previously secured their second NCAA Tournament win by defeating Samford 65-53 in the First Four round, found themselves outmatched against a South Carolina team eager to rebound from a recent 78-61 loss to Texas in the Southeastern Conference Tournament title game on March 8. Jocelyn Tate led the Jaguars with 10 points, but it was insufficient against the Gamecocks' stifling defense.
UConn Huskies Continue Unbeaten Streak with 90-52 Win Over UTSA
In another first-round matchup, the No. 1 seed UConn Huskies demonstrated their championship pedigree with a 90-52 victory over UTSA. Sarah Strong led the way with 18 points, and Ashlynn Shade contributed 14 points, propelling UConn to their 51st consecutive win, dating back to last season. Despite not shooting particularly well from beyond the three-point line, the Huskies dominated from the outset, limiting UTSA to just three field goals in the first quarter and building a 48-14 halftime lead.
UTSA, making their first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2009 after winning the American Conference tournament, struggled with 27 turnovers and only 20 baskets in the game. Ereauna Hardaway was one of three Roadrunners players to score 11 points, but UConn's defensive intensity, highlighted by Blanca Quinonez's 10 points during an 18-1 run, proved too much to overcome.
Looking Ahead to the Second Round
South Carolina now advances to the second round, where they will face either the No. 8 seed Clemson or the No. 9 seed Southern California on Monday. With their dominant performance against Southern, the Gamecocks have sent a clear message to their competitors, positioning themselves as strong favorites to make a deep run in the tournament. Meanwhile, UConn's victory sets the stage for their continued pursuit of an undefeated season and another national championship.
