For 43 years, South Carolina’s record books remained untouched—until Thursday night, when a fearless freshman exploded onto the scene. With 28 points, the first-year forward shattered history, marking the highest SEC performance by a Gamecock rookie. But there was more to it than just a career-high.

According to a post on X by reporter Lulu Kesin, “Joyce Edwards is the first freshman at South Carolina to score 28 points in an SEC game.” Edwards’ career-high outing helped No. 1 South Carolina (23-0, 11-0 SEC) dismantle Florida 101-63, rebounding in emphatic fashion after a tough loss to Texas; their first in the conference.

The Gamecocks were predicted to enter the game red hot and so they did. Dawn Staley & Co. wasted no time asserting their authority, racing to a 36-15 first-quarter lead and never looking back. This marked their 71st straight win at home and their 17th consecutive victory over the Gators (12-13, 3-8 SEC).

Edwards had struggled in the two games prior, combining for just 15 points, but against Florida, she showed why she is the team’s leading scorer. Her previous best of 21 points against Alabama last month was a stepping stone, but this performance cemented her growing impact. She shot an efficient 10-for-17 from the field and was perfect from the free-throw line, going 8-for-8.

Te-Hina Paopao provided a strong supporting role, finishing with 14 points while hitting four three-pointers. Her hot hand set the tone early, draining three triples in the first five minutes to help South Carolina build a commanding 17-8 lead. Paopao also recorded seven assists and seven rebounds, making it her best all-around performance against an SEC opponent in two seasons.

For Florida, Liv McGill led with 15 points, but the team struggled offensively, shooting just 33.3% from the field. The Gators faced an uphill battle from the start, unable to keep pace with the Gamecocks’ relentless attack. South Carolina’s defense suffocated Florida, forcing 17 turnovers and turning them into 24 points.

But this game wasn’t just about another dominant South Carolina win. It was about making a statement for the national freshman of the year award.

Joyce Edwards is no afterthought: Dawn Staley

While most would unanimously hand the National Freshman of the Year award to UConn’s Sarah Strong—who has, at times, even outshined Paige Bueckers—South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley isn’t ready to let that be a foregone conclusion. She’s already made her stance clear: Joyce Edwards belongs in the conversation.

“It’s not a one-woman race for National Freshman of the Year,” Staley emphasized. And Edwards is proving exactly why—especially with her latest career-high performance against the Gators.

Statistically, Strong has been a force, averaging 16.1 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game while shooting 57.3% from the field. But Edwards has been just as crucial in her role, putting up 12.3 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game on that same 57.3% efficiency.

Yet, numbers don’t tell the whole story—Staley sees something deeper in Edwards’ impact.

“She (Joyce) plays basketball the right way. When you play it the right way, it looks easy,” Staley said in a recent interview. “She’s playing incredibly well at a really good pace where she is seeing it and she’s able to make really good decisions.“

More than just a scorer, Edwards brings a level of toughness and presence that elevates her team.

“Joyce injects what we need. She has the physical presence to guard,” Staley added. “She plays with huge bravado on both sides of the basketball.” The National Freshman of the Year race may not be a one-woman contest after all—and if Edwards keeps making statements like this, Strong might just have a challenger.

This game was about more than just a win; it was a statement. South Carolina had been eager to get back on the court since their 66-62 loss to Texas, and they made sure to remind the SEC why they remain a powerhouse.