South Carolina women's basketball escaped a late game surge from Alabama by way of Joyce Edwards' 11 points in the fourth quarter.

Joyce Edwards scored 21 points to lead No. 2 South Carolina past No. 19 Alabama 76-58. Chloe Kitts had 10 points and 13 rebounds, Milay Fulwiley scored 16 points and Te-Hina Paopao added 11 for the Gamecocks who have six straight wins over ranked opponents.

Alabama was off the mark, going 5 of 18 in the first quarter. Poor shooting wasn’t the only reason for slow start. South Carolina was quicker in the paint offensively, scoring easy layups. On the other end, the Gamecocks locked down the Crimson Tide, forcing tough shots and not allowing second-chance points.