South Carolina women's basketball: Joyce Edwards wins gold at FIBA U18 AmeriCup
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Gamecock freshman Joyce Edwards led the United States to a gold medal in the U18AmeriCup. The Americans beat Canada 80-69 on Sunday night to clinch the gold.
Edwards was named the team captain before the tournament began and earned tournament MVP honors. She had 16 points, 13 rebounds, and five steals against Canada and hit a three at the halftime buzzer that broke a 36-36 tie.
For the tournament, Edwards averaged a team-high 14.2 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 2.0 steals. She shot 54.5%.
In the group phase Team USA beat Brazil 97-51, Puerto Rico 102-22, and Mexico 115-20. The Americans then beat the Dominican Republic 125-27 in the quarterfinals and beat Argentina 109-32 in the semifinals.
Edwards 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.
Edwards had 14 points and three rebounds against the Dominican Republic, giving her three consecutive games with more points than minutes played. She had 17 points and six rebounds in 18:59. If teammate Sienna Betts hadn’t stolen a pass intended for Edwards under the basket, she would have had more points than minutes played once again.
Edwards has won a gold medal in back-to-back summers. She was the leading scorer for the USA team that 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 13 times, including 11 straight. The Americans’ all-time record in the tournament is 76-2.
