South Carolina Dominates Southern in NCAA Tournament Opener

The South Carolina Gamecocks, the No. 1 seed in the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament, commenced their 2026 campaign with a commanding 103-34 victory over the 16th-seeded Southern Jaguars on March 21, 2026. This win marked the largest margin of victory in South Carolina's NCAA tournament history, surpassing their previous record. The Gamecocks opened the game with a 15-0 run and maintained a dominant performance throughout, leading by 25 points at halftime and outscoring Southern 32-2 in the third quarter.

The StateSouth Carolina turns opener into message game for rest of fieldSports IllustratedESPNESPNSouth Carolina women's basketball: Does playing with the host-site bring Ta'Niya Latson pressure or pleasure?

Joyce Edwards was the standout player, scoring 27 points and grabbing eight rebounds, showcasing her prowess on the court. Edwards' performance included 19 points in the first half alone. Other notable contributions came from Ta'Niya Latson, who added 17 points, and Madina Okot and Agot Makeer, who each scored 15 points. Tessa Johnson also had a significant impact, achieving her first career double-double with 14 points and 10 rebounds.

The State

South Carolina's offensive strategy was effective, as they shot nearly 50% from the field compared to Southern's 22.9%. The Jaguars struggled to find their rhythm, trailing for the entirety of the game and failing to score until late in the first quarter. Southern's coach, Carlos Funchess, acknowledged the challenge his team faced, stating, "They're preparing to win a national championship." Despite the loss, he commended his players for their efforts throughout the season.

The State

Dawn Staley, head coach of South Carolina, expressed satisfaction with her team's performance, emphasizing the importance of playing with joy. She noted, "I want our players to play with joy," reflecting on the team's eagerness to return to the tournament after a disappointing loss in the Southeastern Conference final. Edwards echoed this sentiment, stating, "It just feels like another game," highlighting her focus on executing the game plan effectively.

ESPN

With this victory, South Carolina advances to the second round, where they will face the winner of the matchup between the No. 8 seed Clemson and the No. 9 seed USC Trojans. The Gamecocks previously defeated both teams during the regular season, setting the stage for a highly anticipated rematch.

Sports Illustrated

While the Gamecocks' performance was lauded, some critics pointed out the disparity in competition level, noting that Southern's struggles were evident throughout the game. Staley acknowledged Southern's efforts, stating, "They should be proud of the season that they had," and emphasized the need for her team to build on their momentum as they progress in the tournament.

The State

• “I just thought they got out-talented tonight,” — Dawn Staley, Head Coach, South Carolina

ESPN

• “Like coach said, we got to keep building on it.” — Ta'Niya Latson, Player, South Carolina

South Carolina women's basketball: Does playing with the host-site bring Ta'Niya Latson pressure or pleasure?

• “Unfortunately, today, I thought Southern Cal was one possession or 0.1 second better than us,” — Shawn Poppie, Head Coach, Clemson

ESPN

This decisive win not only boosts South Carolina's confidence but also sets a tone for their aspirations in the tournament as they aim for a sixth consecutive Final Four appearance.

South Carolina turns opener into message game for rest of field