Joyce Edwards Leads South Carolina Gamecocks To 15th Straight Rivalry Win Against Clemson Tigers

The South Carolina Gamecocks continued their unbeaten run in the 2025-26 season, but their latest victory was a special one. The side was up against their rivals, the Clemson Tigers, and was on a 14-game winning run. Joyce Edwards led the side in a controlled gameplay.

Before the game, Dawn Staley recalls how losing the first two rivalry games still haunts her, but she used it to inspire her. Her team responded well in the game.

Joyce Edwards Leads South Carolina To Important Win

After three consecutive Conference Cup and regular season titles, the South Carolina side started on a strong note in the 2025-26 season. The third game was against the Clemson Tigers, and after a strong outing in the first two games, they were confident of beating their rivals.

Joyce Edwards proved the expectations right, scoring 21 points with eight rebounds and three blocks in the game. While it was not just her numbers that shone in the game, Edwards was efficient around the paint region and controlled the board well.

Joyce Edwards vs Clemson:
65-37, Gamecocks

18 PTS
8 REB
3 BLK

pic.twitter.com/R7Q2q3AKKq

— WNBAGamecocks (@WNBAGamecocks) November 12, 2025

Apart from the sophomore star’s heroics, Dawn Staley’s team locked down the opposition to just two points in the fourth quarter and 13 points in the second half. Recruits Ta’Niya Latson added 12 points while Madina Okot collected a game-high 12 rebounds.

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It was the Gamecocks’ 300th win since Colonial Life Arena opened in the fall of 2002. More importantly, the win would help the school secure its first point of the Palmetto Series. Currently, Clemson has a 2-1 lead after the men’s soccer and women’s volleyball team’s victories in this year’s multi-sports competition.

Joyce Edwards Could Be Key Player for South Carolina

Looking at South Carolina’s gameplay (which is similar to the current WNBA champions, the Las Vegas Aces), Dawn Staley is aiming to involve her forwards more in the game at the offensive end. The strategy worked perfectly last season until UConn overpowered them with a fast-paced game.

But in 2025-26, the side not only has pace with the addition of Latson, but Edwards also showed good ball control and finishing around the rim. Defensively, they could improve on their coverage of the screens well, but it’s still early in the season.

But with Chloe Kitts’ season-ending injury, the load will be on Edwards. Dawn Staley shared a “not crying” update on Agot Makeer’s injury, but is hoping to see the youngster back on the floor to get more gametime.