On February 6, 2025, the South Carolina Gamecocks women’s basketball team secured their 17th consecutive victory with a commanding 74–42 win over the Georgia Lady Bulldogs at Stegeman Coliseum in Athens, Georgia. This triumph not only extended their impressive winning streak but also underscored their dominance in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and solidified their position as a powerhouse in women’s college basketball.
Game Overview
The Gamecocks entered the matchup with a stellar 21–1 record, riding high on a 16-game winning streak. Their only loss of the season had come against UCLA on November 24, 2024. In contrast, the Georgia Lady Bulldogs were struggling, holding a 9–14 record and sitting at the bottom of the SEC standings with a 1–8 conference record.
From the opening tip-off, South Carolina asserted their dominance. Their defense was suffocating, limiting Georgia’s offensive opportunities and forcing numerous turnovers. Offensively, the Gamecocks showcased a balanced attack, with multiple players contributing significantly to the scoreboard.
Key Performances
Freshman forward Joyce Edwards continued her impressive debut season, leading the team with 18 points and 7 rebounds. Her agility and scoring ability in the paint proved too much for Georgia’s defense to handle. Guard MiLaysia Fulwiley added 15 points, showcasing her sharpshooting skills from beyond the arc by hitting three three-pointers. Veteran guard Raven Johnson orchestrated the offense efficiently, dishing out 8 assists while committing only 2 turnovers.
On the defensive end, center Ashlyn Watkins was a formidable presence, recording 4 blocks and altering several other shots, making it difficult for the Lady Bulldogs to find any rhythm offensively.
Team Statistics
South Carolina’s depth was on full display, with the bench contributing 35 points. This season, the Gamecocks’ bench has been a significant asset, averaging 41.8 points per game, the highest in women’s college basketball.
The Gamecocks dominated the glass, outrebounding the Lady Bulldogs 45–28, which led to numerous second-chance points and limited Georgia’s opportunities for fast-break transitions. Their defensive prowess was evident as they forced 20 turnovers, converting them into 25 points.
Georgia’s Struggles
The Lady Bulldogs faced challenges on both ends of the court. Senior guard De’Mauri Flournoy, who averages 12.6 points per game, was held to just 8 points on 3-of-12 shooting. Freshman guard Trinity Turner, another key contributor with an average of 12.3 points per game, managed only 6 points. The team’s overall shooting percentage was a dismal 30%, including a 2-of-15 performance from three-point range.
Defensively, Georgia struggled to contain South Carolina’s multifaceted offense. Their inability to protect the rim and close out on perimeter shooters allowed the Gamecocks to shoot 48% from the field, including 38% from beyond the arc.
Historical Context
This victory marked South Carolina’s 19th consecutive win over Georgia, extending a streak that began in the 2014–2015 season. The Gamecocks have now improved their all-time series record against the Lady Bulldogs to 26–33, steadily closing the historical gap between the two programs.
Under the leadership of Coach Dawn Staley, South Carolina has transformed into a national powerhouse. Their sustained success in the SEC and on the national stage has been characterized by strong recruiting, player development, and a commitment to excellence on both ends of the court.
Looking Ahead
With this win, the Gamecocks improved to 22–1 overall and 10–0 in SEC play. They are set to face a significant challenge in their next game, traveling to Austin to take on the No. 7 Texas Longhorns on February 9, 2025. This matchup will be a rematch of their January 12 meeting, where South Carolina secured a 67–50 victory at home.
The upcoming game against Texas will be a critical test for the Gamecocks as they continue their pursuit of a top seed in the NCAA Tournament. A win would further solidify their resume and demonstrate their readiness to compete against the nation’s elite teams.
Coach’s Perspective
In the post-game press conference, Coach Dawn Staley praised her team’s performance but emphasized the importance of staying focused. “I’m proud of how our team executed on both ends tonight,” Staley said. “But we can’t become complacent. Every game presents new challenges, and we need to continue improving as we approach the postseason.”
Staley also highlighted the contributions of her bench players, noting their impact on the game’s outcome. “Our depth is a significant advantage,” she remarked. “Having players who can come in and maintain or even elevate our level of play is crucial, especially as we get deeper into the season.”
Player Reflections
Joyce Edwards, the game’s leading scorer, reflected on the team’s chemistry and collective effort. “We trust each other out there,” Edwards said. “Everyone knows their role, and we’re all committed to our common goals. It’s a special group.”
Raven Johnson, who orchestrated the offense with precision, spoke about the team’s mindset. “Coach always tells us to play with purpose and passion,” Johnson stated. “We take that to heart every time we step on the court.”
National Implications
South Carolina’s continued dominance has significant implications for the national landscape of women’s college basketball.
success this season positions them as a strong contender for the NCAA championship. With their balanced offensive attack, stifling defense, and deep roster, the Gamecocks have consistently demonstrated their ability to compete at the highest level.
The win against Georgia further cemented South Carolina’s status as the team to beat in the SEC, and possibly in the nation. Their blend of experienced leadership and young talent makes them one of the most formidable squads in college basketball.
Breaking Down South Carolina’s Strengths
Dominant Defense
South Carolina’s defensive efficiency has been a cornerstone of their success this season. Ranked among the top teams in defensive rating, the Gamecocks have allowed an average of just 51.3 points per game, the second-best mark in Division I women’s basketball.
Against Georgia, this defensive prowess was on full display. By forcing 20 turnovers, South Carolina disrupted the Lady Bulldogs’ offensive flow and converted those mistakes into transition points. The Gamecocks also held Georgia to a mere 30% shooting from the field, a testament to their ability to contest shots and rotate effectively on defense.
Balanced Scoring Attack
Unlike some teams that rely on a single superstar, South Carolina thrives on balance. Joyce Edwards, MiLaysia Fulwiley, and Kamilla Cardoso have led the scoring this season, but the team’s depth ensures that any player can step up on a given night.
Against Georgia, the bench contributed 35 points, demonstrating the ability of second-unit players to maintain, and even extend, leads when starters rest. This depth could prove crucial in the grueling NCAA tournament, where fatigue often becomes a factor.
Rebounding Dominance
Rebounding has also been a critical component of South Carolina’s success. The Gamecocks lead the nation in rebounding margin, averaging +14.6 rebounds per game over their opponents.
Against Georgia, South Carolina outrebounded their SEC rival 45–28, including 14 offensive rebounds that led to numerous second-chance points. The ability to dominate the glass not only limits opponents’ scoring opportunities but also provides extra possessions that wear down defenses.
Transition Game
South Carolina’s ability to capitalize on fast-break opportunities has been another key factor in their winning streak. Against Georgia, the Gamecocks scored 25 points off turnovers, using their speed and athleticism to convert defensive stops into quick buckets.
Raven Johnson has been instrumental in pushing the pace, using her elite court vision to create easy scoring opportunities for teammates. With Fulwiley and Edwards thriving in transition, South Carolina has become one of the most dangerous teams in the open court.
Georgia’s Road Ahead
For the Lady Bulldogs, this loss marked their ninth SEC defeat of the season, dropping them to 9-15 overall and 1-9 in conference play. The struggles on both ends of the court continue to hinder their ability to compete with top-tier teams.
With upcoming matchups against No. 11 LSU and No. 20 Ole Miss, Georgia faces a difficult path to improving its record. However, Coach Katie Abrahamson-Henderson remains optimistic. “We have a young team that’s still learning,” she said in the postgame press conference. “We’re going to take this as a learning experience and continue to grow.”
Areas for Improvement
- Offensive Efficiency: Georgia needs to improve its shot selection, as poor decision-making led to a 30% field goal percentage against South Carolina.
- Turnover Reduction: The Lady Bulldogs must protect the ball better after committing 20 turnovers in this game.
- Rebounding Effort: A focus on boxing out and securing boards will help limit opponents’ second-chance points.
What’s Next for South Carolina?
The Gamecocks now turn their attention to an upcoming road showdown against No. 7 Texas, a crucial matchup that could impact their NCAA tournament seeding. With the tournament committee weighing strength of schedule and quality wins, a victory over a top-10 opponent would further solidify South Carolina’s case for a No. 1 seed.
Remaining Regular Season Games:
- Feb. 9: at No. 7 Texas
- Feb. 15: vs. Kentucky
- Feb. 19: at Auburn
- Feb. 25: vs. No. 11 LSU
- March 1: at Florida
If the Gamecocks can finish the regular season strong and capture the SEC Tournament title, they will likely enter the NCAA tournament as the top overall seed, setting the stage for another deep postseason run.
Conclusion: A Team on a Mission
South Carolina’s 74-42 victory over Georgia was more than just another win—it was a statement. The Gamecocks showcased their defensive dominance, offensive depth, and championship-level poise, proving once again why they are the favorites to win the SEC title and contend for a national championship.
With Dawn Staley at the helm and a roster stacked with talent, the Gamecocks remain one of the most complete teams in the nation. Their focus now shifts to their upcoming clash with Texas, a game that could further solidify their claim as the No. 1 team in college basketball.
As March Madness looms, one thing is clear: South Carolina is a team on a mission, and their 17-game winning streak is only the beginning.