Women’s college basketball: South Carolina dominates 90-48, Edwards scores 26

No. 2 South Carolina absolutely dominated Coppin State on the road, crushing the Eagles 90-48 on Sunday in Baltimore. Joyce Edwards led the onslaught with 26 points and five steals, extending the Gamecocks’ dominance over HBCU opponents under coach Dawn Staley. South Carolina (19-1) wrapped up non-conference play with a decisive victory that proved exactly why they’re ranked among the nation’s elite.

Edwards Puts On Scoring Clinic in Baltimore Blowout

Joyce Edwards led the charge for South Carolina, showcasing her elite scoring ability with 26 points on efficient shooting. The sophomore forward added five steals, displaying her two-way dominance. Tessa Johnson also contributed significantly with 17 points, an impressive 5-for-8 performance from 3-point range, and four assists. Ta’Niya Latson rounded out the scoring attack with 15 points, five assists, and six steals, showcasing the Gamecocks’ depth and versatility.

Coach Dawn Staley‘s team showed why they’re nationally ranked, with balanced scoring and relentless defensive pressure. The Gamecocks shot 51.5% from the field and 47.4% from 3-point range, while Coppin State managed just 32.2% shooting. South Carolina forced 30 turnovers and recorded 21 steals, creating chaos on every possession.

Alicia Tournebize, the 6-foot-7 French forward who recently signed with the Gamecocks mid-year, made her scoring debut with eight points in 13 minutes, proving she can contribute immediately in South Carolina‘s system.

Coppin State’s Furious Start Quickly Fades

Coppin State came out competitive, leading South Carolina just 22-14 after the first quarter. But the Eagles couldn’t sustain the momentum. The Gamecocks unleashed a devastating second quarter, outscoring Coppin State 22-5 to blow the game wide open. That offensive explosion essentially decided the outcome after just 16 minutes.

Khila Morris led the Eagles with 20 points, but it wasn’t nearly enough to compete with South Carolina‘s balanced attack. The hosts showed heart on the boards against the taller Gamecocks, but South Carolina dominated the paint with 40-18 advantage. Thirteen of Coppin State‘s 30 turnovers came in that devastating second quarter.

Team	Score
South Carolina	90
Coppin State	48

Why South Carolina Traveled to Baltimore for This Matchup

South Carolina‘s decision to play Coppin State on the road reflects Coach Dawn Staley‘s commitment to supporting HBCU programs. In August 2024, after winning an undefeated national championship, Staley posted on social media seeking an opponent to complete her schedule. Within days, the home-and-home series with Coppin State was arranged. The Gamecocks defeated the Eagles 92-60 at home last season.

Former Coppin State coach Jermaine Woods praised Staley’s professionalism and generosity for making the arrangement, noting that South Carolina even provided guarantee money to cover travel expenses last season. The decision drew a nearly sold-out crowd to the Physical Education Complex in Baltimore, with many supporters wearing Gamecock garnet to cheer on South Carolina. This is only the fourth time under Staley that South Carolina played an HBCU on the road.

“Not every team will go and play an HBCU on their home court. We feel like [it’s a] great game, great competition, great coaching. If we can get some notoriety to the HBCUs, then we’ll do that.” — Coach Dawn Staley, South Carolina Women’s Basketball

Deep Bench Depth Shows South Carolina’s Championship Potential

South Carolina deployed 10 different players against Coppin State, with every player logging more than 10 minutes on the court. This balanced rotation demonstrates the Gamecocks’ incredible depth and talent. Beyond the scoring stars, role players contributed solid minutes and energy, managing the game’s pace and intensity. This type of depth usually spells trouble for opponents in tournament play.

The Gamecocks’ ability to rest starters and maintain dominance speaks volumes about their roster construction. Sophomore forward Adhel Tac missed the game due to a nasal injury but had played against Texas on January 15 while wearing a protective mask. South Carolina proved it can win convincingly with or without full strength, a hallmark of elite teams. The team’s balanced scoring and suffocating defense will be critical as the Gamecocks enter tougher SEC play over the coming weeks.

What’s Next for No. 2 South Carolina in SEC Competition?

South Carolina finished non-conference play at 19-1, but tougher tests await in SEC conference action. The Gamecocks travel to Oklahoma on Thursday night for a key matchup on the road. They then host Vanderbilt on January 25, face Auburn on January 29, and travel to Texas A&M on February 2. These high-pressure conference games will test whether South Carolina can sustain championship form through March.

With Joyce Edwards leading a balanced attack and Coach Staley orchestrating dominant play on both ends, South Carolina looks positioned to compete for its fourth national championship in program history. The Gamecocks’ only loss this season came against No. 4 Texas, but they avenged that defeat 68-65 on January 15, showing they can battle through adversity. Will the Gamecocks maintain their winning form through the grueling SEC schedule and into March madness?

Sources

• ESPN – Game recap and box score from South Carolina vs. Coppin State on January 18, 2026
• The State – Article covering the Gamecocks’ dominant performance and team analysis
• AP News – Associated Press coverage of the women’s college basketball matchup