COLUMBIA, S.C. (Interstat) — South Carolina opened Southeastern Conference play with an emphatic 83-57 victory over Alabama on Thursday at Colonial Life Arena.

The Gamecocks seized control with a 24-point first quarter and never relented, holding the Crimson Tide to 36.7% shooting. Joyce Edwards led South Carolina with 25 points, while Raven Johnson added 17 points and five assists. Diana Collins scored 17 for Alabama.

South Carolina forced 14 turnovers and outscored Alabama 14-4 from the free-throw line. Both teams are now 14-1 overall.