South Carolina forward Joyce Edwards scored 29 points in Sunday’s 95-55 win over Penn State, following a 25-point game against North Carolina Central the previous week. These back-to-back performances mirror those of Gamecocks alumna A’ja Wilson, who experienced similar streaks during the 2016-17 and 2017-18 seasons.
The Las Vegas Aces center praised the 6’3″ forward, sharing a three-word message on her Instagram Stories.
Joyce Edwards Gains A’ja Wilson’s Admiration After Career-High Game Against Penn State
Edwards played the game of her life in the Gamecocks’ 40-point win over the Nittany Lions, shooting 13 of 20 from the field. Her impressive stat line of four rebounds, five assists, six steals, and four blocks also mirrors the well-rounded performances that defined Wilson’s time at South Carolina.
As the saying goes, “Game recognizes game,” and Wilson, who closely follows South Carolina women’s basketball, praised the sophomore’s achievement on social media.
“Keep killin it,” Wilson wrote on her Instagram story, which was posted by South Carolina women’s basketball and football beat reporter for USA Today, Lulu Kesin, on X.
MORE: Dawn Staley Addresses Joyce Edwards’ Record Showing vs. Penn State Despite Madina Okot’s Absence
Edwards’ big night against Penn State, where she surpassed her previous career-high of 28 points, set on Feb. 13 during South Carolina’s 101-63 win against Florida, occurred exactly one week after producing a double-double of 25 points and 10 rebounds in the Gamecocks’ 106-42 win over North Carolina Central on Dec. 7.
Wilson’s 2017-18 scoring surge was career-defining and cemented her status as the top player in the 2018 WNBA draft. Her streak began on Dec. 5, 2017, with 26 points against Charleston, continued with 26 against Savannah State on Dec. 17, and built momentum into late December.
She maintained the streak by scoring 28 points against Temple on Dec. 21, added 25 against Texas A&M on Dec. 31, and matched that with 25 against Ole Miss on Jan. 4, 2018, marking five consecutive games with at least 25 points spanning December to early January.
Later that season, Wilson added two more back-to-back 25-point performances, helping nearly carry the Gamecocks to another national championship appearance, though they eventually lost to UConn in the final.
Joyce Edwards Leads Short-Handed Gamecocks to 10th Win of Season
Edwards stepped up big-time for South Carolina, which was missing the services of Madina Okot (illness) and Agot Makeer (concussion). With reserve players Adhel Tac and Maryam Dauda combining for five points as replacements, the forward was required to take on greater offensive responsibility for the second consecutive game.
Consequently, due to the short bench, South Carolina coach Dawn Staley was forced to use her starters for extended minutes. The team was limited to only eight healthy players.
Despite these roster challenges, South Carolina’s Ta’Niya Latson contributed 18 points in the win. Raven Johnson and Tessa Johnson added 15 points each for the Gamecocks, who will face South Florida (6-5) on Dec. 18 at the Yuengling Center in Tampa, Florida. South Florida enters the matchup after an 87-58 loss to Vanderbilt on Dec. 15.
