South Carolina Opens Season with Dominant Win Over Maryland
AI-generated image · Bay Street Wire
Top-ranked Gamecocks use an early offensive surge to secure a 101-93 victory in Paris.
Top-ranked South Carolina signaled its early-season intentions in Paris, defeating No. 20 Maryland 101-93 in their season opener, according to Sportsnet.
The Gamecocks established a commanding lead early, utilizing 27 fast-break points and 21 points off turnovers in the first 20 minutes. South Carolina hit its first seven shots of the game, ending the first quarter with a 33-13 lead. Joyce Edwards led the scoring effort with 23 points, including a 6-for-8 shooting performance in the second quarter. Agot Makeer contributed 20 points, while Tessa Johnson and Jerzy Robinson scored 15 points each and Jordan Lee added 13, as five South Carolina players reached double figures.
Maryland attempted a significant second-half rally led by Addi Mack, who scored a career-high 35 points—31 of which came in the second half. The Terrapins cut a 61-33 halftime deficit to 89-80 with 4:30 remaining, prompting South Carolina coach Dawn Staley to call a timeout. The Gamecocks responded with a 7-0 run to stifle the momentum.
The game served as a homecoming for freshman Justine Loubens and sophomore Alicia Tournabize, both from France. Tournabize, known for being the first documented French woman to dunk in a game in September 2024, helped build the early lead with a three-pointer late in the first quarter.
South Carolina is scheduled to face No. 12 North Carolina this Sunday in Charlotte, North Carolina, as reported by Sportsnet.