The No. 2 South Carolina Gamecocks defeated No. 8 Southern California 69-52 in a showdown billed as “The Real SC,” moving to 4-0 on the season. The win was highlighted by balanced scoring from four starters and standout performances on the boards.
Game recap
South Carolina secured the win at Crypto Arena, leveraging a strong third quarter to pull away from USC and establish a double-figure lead that held through the final buzzer. The victory marked the Gamecocks’ 1-0 start this year against ranked opponents and reinforced their status as a top team early in the season.
Key performances
- Joyce Edwards: 17 points, 10 rebounds (double-double) with two blocks and two steals.
- Raven Johnson: 14 points, 11 rebounds (double-double).
- Tessa Johnson: 14 points, including key 3-pointers in the third quarter.
- Ta’Niya Latson: 12 points, contributing in the third-quarter stretch.
- Madina Okot: 15 rebounds, providing a dominant presence on the boards.
Team notes
The Gamecocks had four of five starters reach double figures, marking the fourth straight game with this level of balanced scoring. Edwards was praised by Coach Dawn Staley for her two-way impact, challenging her to sustain elite play on both ends of the floor.
Context and implications
The win strengthens South Carolina’s NCAA Tournament resume with an early win over a Top 25 opponent and reinforces the “Real SC” rivalry narrative heading into future meetings, including a return matchup scheduled for next season in Greenville.
“We got the title until we play them again next year,” Staley said. “So until November 15th in Greenville we’re gonna wear that title with pride. So we are, yes, the real USC.”
Author’s summary
South Carolina surged past USC with four players in double figures, a dominant rebounding effort, and a timely third-quarter push, cementing their “Real SC” claim and boosting their early-season NCAA Tournament credentials.
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