South Carolina Banks 27 Fast-Break Points to Defeat Maryland 101-93 in Paris
Joyce Edwards scored 23 points as the Gamecocks overcame a second-half surge by the Terrapins in their season opener.
By Ethan Cooper ·
College basketball’s first top-five matchup of the season produced a 101-93 victory for No. 1 South Carolina over No. 20 Maryland on Monday night in Paris.
The Gamecocks built a decisive lead in the first half before facing a late rally from the Terrapins. Joyce Edwards scored 23 points to lead South Carolina, which had five players finish with double-digit scoring.
The disparity was evident early in the scoring breakdown. South Carolina recorded 27 points on fast breaks and 21 points off Maryland turnovers during the opening 20 minutes. The Terrapins struggled to find rhythm, shooting 3 for 15 in the first quarter. That included a 1-for-6 start from the field.
South Carolina hit its first seven shots and ended the first quarter at 9 for 15. The team extended its lead in the second quarter, finishing the half with a 61-33 advantage. Edwards missed her only two shots in the first quarter but went 6-for-8 in the second to finish the half with 13 points.
Maryland coach Addi Mack ignited the comeback in the second half. She scored 31 of her career-high 35 points in that stretch. She shot 14-for-20 from the field, including 6-for-10 from three-point range. Her efforts helped cut a 31-point deficit to 89-80 with 4:30 remaining, forcing coach Dawn Staley to call a timeout.
South Carolina responded with a 7-0 run after the break. Agot Mateer added 20 points for the Gamecocks, while Jerzy Robinson and Tessa Johnson each scored 15. Jordan Lee contributed 13 points. Lee and Robinson each made two free throws in the final minute to secure the win as Maryland closed to 96-90.
The game served as a homecoming for two French players on the South Carolina roster. Alicia Tournabize, a sophomore, became the first documented French woman to dunk in a game in September 2024. Justine Loubens, a freshman from southern France, recorded a steal and an assist in the second quarter.
South Carolina will face No. 12 North Carolina on Sunday in Charlotte, North Carolina. Maryland will host George Mason on Sunday.
