SC superstars sent a message to USC

Joyce Edwards and Raven Johnson both recorded double-doubles as the No. 2 South Carolina women's basketball team toppled No. 8 USC, 69-52, on Saturday night at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. The game marked the first chapter of "The Real SC" rivalry.

Edwards powered South Carolina's offense with 17 points on 7-of-16 shooting, paired with 10 rebounds, four assists, two blocks, and two steals.

Johnson contributed 14 points and 11 rebounds, while Tessa Johnson (14 points) and Ta'Niya Latson (12 points) added double-digit scoring. Madina Okot led the team with 15 rebounds.

The first half was a back-and-forth battle, with South Carolina clinging to a slim 32-30 lead at halftime. The Gamecocks turned up the heat in the second half, outscoring USC 37-22 to secure the victory and move to 4-0 on the season.

South Carolina's stifling defense held USC to just 1-of-14 shooting from three-point range and dominated the boards, outrebounding the Trojans 56-32.

Kennedy Smith led USC (2-1) with 12 points, and Kara Dunn chipped in 10.

This victory solidifies South Carolina's position as a top contender in women's college basketball and boosts their confidence moving forward. The strong defensive performance and balanced offensive contributions demonstrate the team's depth and resilience, which will be crucial in their pursuit of a championship. Additionally, the win against a highly ranked

opponent early in the season sets a positive tone and could improve their national rankings.