South Carolina opened the 2025-26 women’s college basketball season with a bang, demolishing Grand Canyon 94-54 on Monday at Colonial Life Arena in Columbia, South Carolina. Veterans Tessa Johnson and Joyce Edwards put up double-figure games to complement Ta’Niya Latson’s 20 points. Johnson finished with 19 while Edwards added 13 for South Carolina, who surged to a 60-31 lead in the first half and never looked back.
While fans were hailing Tessa Johnson’s outstanding performance, others weren’t satisfied with what Edwards, the 2024 No. 2-ranked prospect behind UConn’s Sarah Strong, produced in the game.
What Did Fans Say About Tessa Johnson and Joyce Edwards’ Performances in South Carolina’s Season-Opener Win Over Grand Canyon
Johnson shot 8-of-13 from the field, including 3-of-6 from the 3-point line, and added five rebounds, three assists, one steal, and one block in 33 minutes for Dawn Staley’s Gamecocks, who are determined to get back into the national championship after losing to UConn in the 2025 final.
Fans hailed Johnson’s big game to help the Gamecocks’ offense in overpowering the Lopes. One user noted that she has the makings of being an SEC Player of the Year if she stays consistent every game.
Tessa Johnson has the game to be SEC POTY. Go get yours Tessa! @GamecockWBB
— Rachel Han (@hanjiyunie) November 4, 2025
Another college basketball enthusiast believed Johnson put on extra effort during the offseason after seeing her make easy mid-range shots. Meanwhile, a fan compared the 6’0″ junior guard to former South Carolina guard MiLaysia Fulwiley, who transferred to LSU during the offseason.
Tessa Johnson must’ve been grinding that pull-up mid-range drill all offseason her ability to stop on a dime, read the defense, and flow seamlessly into scoring opportunities shows a next-level understanding of spacing and timing. the fluidity and cohesiveness on the
— madam Maziel (@MadamMaziel) November 4, 2025
Yooooooo I’ll say it again omg
Tessa Johnson > Fulwiley
🔥🔥🔥🔥😳😳😳👀👀👀
— TruthHurtsSC4life (@HurtsSc4life) November 4, 2025
Other South Carolina supporters tweeted that Johnson is a future WNBA first-rounder due to her smooth execution and precise ball control.
Tessa Johnson is a future Top 10 pick. Just so smooth and plays under control at all times
— Hunter Cruse (@HunterCruse14) November 4, 2025
Tessa Johnson’s ability to read the defense and know when she has a clear lane to drive or when to pull up in the middle stopping on a dime is just a thing of beauty. work, Tessa!……..
— madam Maziel (@MadamMaziel) November 4, 2025
While fans were giving their flowers to Johnson for an excellent shooting display, other college hoops enthusiasts weren’t pleased with Joyce Edwards’ not-so-explosive game in the season-opener. The 6’2″ forward went 5-of-11 from the field and 3-of-4 from the free-throw line while producing five rebounds, one assist and one block.
That’s not Joyce Edwards game
— TALKSWITHJAE (@eccentricsole) November 4, 2025
The same fan slammed Edwards for committing a stupid foul and her lack of effort in attempting to recover the ball.
Stupid foul by Joyce Edwards
— TALKSWITHJAE (@eccentricsole) November 4, 2025
Joyce Edwards gotta go up stronger with that
— TALKSWITHJAE (@eccentricsole) November 4, 2025
Other fans couldn’t hide their disappointment with Edwards’ lackluster game against an unranked team like Grand Canyon.
Joyce edwards brah all I asked for was 12 points gang.. why do you have 6 in the 3rd and you supposed to be the best player on the team.. yall playin Grand Canyon university!!!!!!
— Kash. (@Kash4Less) November 4, 2025
Joyce Edwards what are you doing smh
— Trip3krazy (@Trip3krazy) November 4, 2025
South Carolina made 34-of-57 of its shots from the field, including 9-of-19 from the 3-point line, for a 59.6% clip while dominating the rebounds (38-31), assists (19-6), steals (6-3) and blocks (6-3). The Gamecocks dominated the game with 32 fastbreak points, as compared to Grand Canyon’s two. They also outscored the Lopes on turnover points, 22-10.
Madina Okot finished with 12 points and four rebounds in 17 minutes for Dawn Staley’s Gamecocks, while Raven Johnson put up an all-around effort with 11 points, eight rebounds, seven assists and three steals. Ale’jah Douglas led Grand Canyon’s offense with 16 points and three rebounds, and Chloe Mann added 15 points, one rebound and two assists.
MORE: Dawn Staley Just Got Real About Ex-Asst. Coach-Turned-Rival Joining Gamecocks for One Last Event
South Carolina will return home on Nov. 7 to face Bowling Green, while Grand Canyon plays on Nov. 8 against Idaho State.