In an impressive display of skill and teamwork, the South Carolina women’s basketball team assertively defeated Tennessee Tech 108-48 in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament on March 21, 2025. The Gamecocks, who entered the tournament as the No. 1 seed, not only dominated the game but also shattered the program record for points scored in a NCAA Tournament game. This record was previously held at 100 points, achieved during a game against Quinnipiac in 2017.
The victory marked the largest margin ever for South Carolina in a tournament game, eclipsing the previous record of 58 points against Howard in 2022. With this win, the Gamecocks improved their overall record to 31-3, moving one step closer to a potential regional championship in Birmingham.
The Gamecocks' offense was staggering, shooting an astounding 67.2 percent from the floor and making 66.7 percent of their shots in the first quarter alone. They also showcased their three-point shooting prowess, hitting seven out of ten attempts in the first half. Newcomer Joyce Edwards led the charge with a stellar performance, scoring a team-high 22 points and providing a glimpse of her promising future at the collegiate level.
Despite an impressive offensive performance, South Carolina wasn’t without its faults. They committed 16 turnovers during the game, offering coach Dawn Staley room for critique. Staley noted the slow start from starters at the beginning of the third quarter, which prompted a complete lineup change. "I wanted to see what they could do in that situation and see if they could energize us," Staley commented on the decision to switch to her bench unit.
The bench indeed energized the Gamecocks, going on an 18-2 run immediately after entering the game. This momentum continued as the bench players collectively scored a remarkable 66 points, the most in a NCAA Tournament game since 2000. This significant contribution not only displayed their depth but also hinted at the team’s promising future.
The second unit consisted of Maddy McDaniel, Tessa Johnson, MiLaysia Fulwiley, Edwards, and Maryam Dauda, the players’ chemistry clearly evident as they demonstrated their ability to execute plays effectively. Edwards expressed her excitement about being on the floor with her teammates during this pivotal game: "It just felt good out there with them. We have a lot of chemistry because we practice together all the time. So we just came out and executed." This strong bonding amongst the team can undoubtedly lead to a bright future for the South Carolina women’s basketball program.
McDaniel played nearly a career-high 18 minutes, finishing with two points, three assists, and two rebounds. Dauda contributed four points, four rebounds, and a steal. Meanwhile, Te-Hina Paopao, despite battling a slump in the previous month, managed to score nine points, showcasing hopes for her resurgence in subsequent games.
The Gamecocks’ defense was equally impressive throughout the game, forcing Tennessee Tech into committing 18 turnovers and enjoying a massive 47-15 advantage in rebounding. These statistics highlight South Carolina’s complete dominance over their opponent, indicating what could be a potent tournament run ahead.
While the victory was celebratory, it also serves as a mechanism for growth as Staley assesses potential areas for improvement. From the starters’ sluggish start to the circumstances that unfolded after their substitutions, there are ample learnings for Staley to dissect before facing No. 9 Indiana in their next match.
In the bigger picture, players' expressions of ambition for their team’s future remained central to post-game conversations. "I just want to play good basketball," Tac confidently explained regarding her goals as she made her debut appearance in the NCAA Tournament, scoring six points and earning praise for her performance.
Sofia Kitts, another standout player, shared her thoughts on the growing potential of the Gamecocks: "It just shows how deep we are and it’s nice to see a little glimpse of next year because, lowkey, next year is soon." Such statements reflect a confident group ready not just to compete now, but to be a dominating force moving forward.
This dominant performance puts South Carolina on the map as both a powerhouse in women’s basketball and an aspirational program for many young athletes looking to hone their skills. As they shift their focus to the next matchup, fans remain hopeful for further excitement as the Gamecocks strive for yet another championship.
