South Carolina Dominates Tennessee Tech in NCAA Tournament Opener, Fueled by Homegrown Stars Fulwiley and Edwards
COLUMBIA, S.C. – The atmosphere was electric at Colonial Life Arena as the No. 1 seed South Carolina Gamecocks commenced their quest for another national championship in the 2025 NCAA Women’s Tournament. Facing off against the No. 16 seed Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles, the Gamecocks showcased their dominance early and often, securing a resounding victory in their first-round matchup. The final score reflected the one-sided nature of the contest, with South Carolina emerging victorious.
However, the story of the game extended beyond the scoreboard. It was a narrative of local talent flourishing on the national stage, spearheaded by the dynamic duo of MiLaysia Fulwiley and Joyce Edwards, both South Carolina natives who chose to represent their home state. The energy in the arena was palpable as fans cheered on their homegrown stars, creating an atmosphere that felt more like a celebration of South Carolina basketball than just another tournament game.
From the opening tip, South Carolina asserted their authority, overwhelming Tennessee Tech with their relentless defense and explosive offense. The Gamecocks raced out to a commanding lead, putting up an astounding 33 points in the first quarter alone, effectively silencing any hopes of an upset. Tennessee Tech’s band attempted to disrupt the Gamecocks, with members screaming "Terrible!" during key possessions, but their efforts proved futile.
A defining moment of the first quarter came when Fulwiley, a sophomore guard known for her flashy style and clutch performances, received a crisp pass from Edwards. With the Tennessee Tech band’s heckling ringing in her ears, Fulwiley calmly rose up and drained a three-pointer, sending the home crowd into a frenzy and effectively silencing the opposing band. It was a statement play, highlighting Fulwiley’s composure under pressure and her ability to elevate her game when the stakes are highest.
Edwards, a highly touted freshman forward who has quickly established herself as a force to be reckoned with, led all scorers with an impressive 22 points on 9-for-12 shooting. Her performance was a testament to her exceptional skill set, her versatility, and her ability to impact the game in multiple ways. Edwards’ presence in the paint was a constant source of trouble for Tennessee Tech, as she consistently scored, grabbed rebounds, and drew fouls.
Fulwiley, not to be outdone, contributed 15 points, five assists, four blocks, and three steals. Her all-around performance showcased her versatility and her ability to excel on both ends of the court. Fulwiley’s defensive prowess was particularly impressive, as she consistently disrupted Tennessee Tech’s offensive flow with her timely steals and blocks.
Notably, neither Fulwiley nor Edwards started the game, highlighting the depth and talent of the South Carolina roster. Coach Dawn Staley’s ability to bring in players off the bench who can immediately contribute is a key factor in the Gamecocks’ success.
After the game, both Fulwiley and Edwards spoke about their connection on the court and their shared pride in representing their home state. "I would definitely say that our connection is there," Edwards said. "We know each other since we’ve been playing with each other since high school and against each other. We know each other, we look for each other and we know where we’re going to be."
The chemistry between Fulwiley and Edwards is undeniable, and it is a significant advantage for South Carolina. Their ability to anticipate each other’s movements and make instinctive plays together makes them a difficult matchup for any opponent.
South Carolina’s bench played a pivotal role in their victory, scoring an incredible 66 points. This performance set a new NCAA Tournament record for bench points, surpassing the previous mark held by both men’s and women’s teams. The Gamecocks’ depth is a major strength, allowing them to maintain a high level of play even when their starters are resting.
Coach Staley emphasized the importance of keeping homegrown talent in South Carolina. "When you get the top kids from South Carolina to stay home, it’s always a great thing, because they bring a great following," Staley said. The presence of Fulwiley and Edwards on the South Carolina roster has undoubtedly energized the fan base and created a sense of pride within the community.
Staley has been effusive in her praise of Edwards, even suggesting that she has the potential to become the best player in college basketball. "She will be," teammate Raven Johnson echoed after Friday’s game, reinforcing the high expectations surrounding Edwards.
Edwards’ father, Charlie, watched the game with immense pride. "She’s owning the stage," he told USA TODAY Sports, "but if you know Joy, she’s always owned the stage." Edwards’ confidence and poise on the court belie her freshman status, and she appears to be relishing the opportunity to shine on the national stage.
For Edwards’ parents, Friday’s game had a familiar feel, resembling the many high school games they had attended to support their daughter. However, the NCAA Tournament brings with it a new set of protocols and restrictions, which will alter their post-game routine. "We just have to spend time together after the game, like she always has to leave the game with us," Edwards’ mom, Rasheedah, said. "It’s gonna be different now because I don’t know what they do with the (NCAA) Tournament."
The victory over Tennessee Tech was a strong start for South Carolina in the NCAA Tournament. With Fulwiley and Edwards leading the way, the Gamecocks look poised to make a deep run and compete for the national championship. Their next opponent will undoubtedly present a tougher challenge, but South Carolina has the talent, depth, and coaching to overcome any obstacle in their path. The blend of experienced veterans and rising stars, coupled with the unwavering support of their home crowd, makes South Carolina a formidable force in this year’s tournament. Their journey is just beginning, and the excitement is building with each game.
