COLUMBIA, S.C. — Joyce Edwards shone with 20 points, helping No. 2 ranked South Carolina rebound from a sluggish start to secure an impressive 82-46 win over Charleston Southern on Thursday night. This victory marks the Gamecocks’ 64th consecutive home win, showcasing their dominance on their home court.
The Gamecocks, now holding an 11-1 record, faced an unexpectedly rough beginning as they struggled to find their rhythm, managing to hit only two of their opening 13 shots. This shooting misstep left them trailing the Buccaneers 15-11 at the end of the first quarter.
However, Bree Hall ignited a pivotal shift in the game with a three-pointer, propelling a 23-11 run that allowed South Carolina to take the lead. The Gamecocks gradually pulled away, controlling the pace of the game throughout the second half.
Ashlyn Watkins played a solid supporting role, contributing eight points, grabbing eight rebounds, and making three of the team’s six blocks in total. For Charleston Southern (4-9), Catherine Alben was the standout player, leading her team with 14 points as the Buccaneers fell to 0-9 against the Gamecocks historically.
### Takeaways
For Charleston Southern, this match can serve as a point of optimism as they wrap up their nonconference schedule. Despite the lopsided final score, the team kept it competitive until the later stages, trailing only by four points entering the third quarter.
On the other hand, South Carolina’s coach Dawn Staley might view this performance as a byproduct of the upcoming holiday break. The Gamecocks’ initial struggles, illustrated by their 2-of-13 shooting in the first quarter, demonstrate areas for improvement when facing tougher opponents in the future.
### Key Moment
The turning point occurred when South Carolina was down by four points after the first quarter, marking just the fourth instance this season that they found themselves trailing after the opening period. Hall’s impactful three-pointer initiated a game-changing momentum shift.
### Key Stats
In a defensive showcase, South Carolina forced 23 turnovers, achieving 11 steals throughout the game, highlighting their defensive prowess.
### Upcoming Games
Looking ahead, Charleston Southern will kick off their Big South Conference play against Gardner-Webb on January 2. Meanwhile, South Carolina will prepare for their final matchup before the SEC schedule begins, as they host Wofford on December 29.