LOS ANGELES (Interstat) — The South Carolina Gamecocks used a dominant defensive performance and a decisive third-quarter surge to remain undefeated, defeating the Southern California Women of Troy 69-52 in a nonconference women’s basketball game Saturday.

In a matchup of early-season unbeatens before a crowd of 8,150 at Galen Center, the Gamecocks improved to 4-0 while handing the Women of Troy their first loss, dropping their record to 2-1.

South Carolina seized control after halftime, outscoring Southern California 23-15 in the third quarter to turn a tight contest into a comfortable lead. The Gamecocks had led 32-30 at the intermission after a first half where neither team could establish a significant advantage.

The Gamecocks’ victory was built on a foundation of stifling defense and overwhelming work on the glass. Southern California’s offensive struggles were stark, particularly from beyond the arc, where they managed just one successful three-pointer on 14 attempts. South Carolina also won the rebounding battle decisively, hauling in 19 offensive rebounds that led to numerous second-chance opportunities and a 44-28 advantage in points in the paint.

Joyce Edwards led the way for South Carolina with a double-double, scoring 17 points and grabbing 10 rebounds while also contributing four assists and two blocks. She was one of three Gamecocks to record a double-double. Raven Johnson filled the stat sheet with 14 points, 11 rebounds and four assists, while center Madina Okot controlled the interior with a game-high 15 rebounds to go with six points and two blocks. Tessa Johnson also chipped in 14 points and five assists for a balanced South Carolina attack.

Southern California was led by Kennedy Smith, who scored 12 points and blocked three shots. Kara Dunn added 10 points and five rebounds for the Women of Troy, who committed 17 turnovers against a relentless Gamecock defense.

South Carolina’s offense, while not always efficient, did enough to complement its defensive effort. The Gamecocks shot 29 of 71 from the floor and connected on four of their 10 three-point attempts. Southern California finished the game shooting 22 of 67 from the field.

The Gamecocks have now won their first four games by an average of 34.5 points, with their closest margin of victory being this 17-point decision against Southern California. The Women of Troy, coming off a narrow one-point road victory over North Carolina State, were unable to find their offensive rhythm against South Carolina’s pressure.

South Carolina next hosts Winthrop on Wednesday. Southern California returns to action at home against Portland on Tuesday.