South Carolina women's basketball: Joyce Edwards and USA Basketball head to elimination rounds at U18 AmeriCup
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Led by Gamecocks freshman Joyce Edwards, USA Basketball went 3-0 during the group phase of the U18 AmeriCup. The elimination rounds begin on Friday in Bucaramanga, Colombia.
In the group phase Team USA beat Brazil 97-51, Puerto Rico 102-22, and Mexico 115-20.
Edwards, the team captain, struggled against Brazil, with five points and six rebounds on 2-8 shooting. She bounced back with 16 points, 10 rebounds, and three steals against Puerto Rico, and then notched 17 points, five rebounds, three steals, and three blocks against Mexico. In both of those games Edwards had more points than minutes played.
For the tournament, Edwards is averaging 12.7 points, 7.0 rebounds, 2.3 steals, 1.7 assists, and 1.7 blocks. She is doing it all in just 15.8 minutes. She leads Team USA in steals, is second in scoring, and third in rebounding.
On Friday, the Americans face the Dominican Republic at 4:10 PM ET. The semifinals are Saturday and the medal round is Sunday. Losing teams will continue to play games in a losers’ bracket. Times will be announced after each day’s competition and will be updated in this story.
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All games will be streamed on the FIBA YouTube Channel.
Edwards is seeking her second gold medal in as many years. She also won gold at the U19 World Cup last summer. Edwards was joined on that team by Chloe Kitts, and the now-teammates were two of Team USA’s biggest contributors.
Edwards is the third Gamecock to participate in the U18 AmeriCup, following A’ja Wilson and Tyash Harris.
USA Basketball has won the AmeriCup 12 times, including 10 straight. The Americans’ all-time record in the tournament is 70-2.
The tournament includes eight teams that were split into two groups. The US won Group B with Mexico, Puerto Rico, and Brazil. Canada won Group A with Argentina, Colombia, and the Dominican Republic.
