"Why is Chloe Kitts and Joyce Edwards not playing more?": Women's hoops fans slam South Carolina HC after loss vs UCLA

In their much-awaited matchup, the then-undefeated South Carolina Gamecocks were stunned by the UCLA Bruins 77-62 on Sunday. The result broke their 43-game winning streak having won 85 of their last 86 games, with their 2023 NCAA Tournament national semifinals game against Iowa being their only loss in almost three years.

Right after the outcome, passionate Gamecocks fans expressed their sentiments on social media regarding coach Dawn Staley's rotations during the game. After UCLA's blistering 15-2 start, the Gamecocks couldn't catch up as the deficit ballooned to 24 by halftime, and by then, the different rotations could have churned out a different result.

"Why is Chloe Kitts and Joyce Edwards not playing more?" one fan wrote.

Kitts saw a lowly 12 minutes of playing time in the UCLA loss, where she showed her tenacity on defense with seven rebounds and two steals while pitching in two markers. Meanwhile, Edwards played for 17 minutes and dropped six points, three boards, an assist and a steal.

It seems the Chloe Kitts and Joyce Edwards bandwagon was in full effect as more users voiced their opinions on the matter.

"Lauren Betts can't score over Chloe Kitts," a user shared.

"I love Chloe Kitts sorry," another expressed.

"If Dawn Staley started Joyce Edwards and Ashlyn Watkins, this game would be a lot closer," one fan posted.

"Milaysia Fulwiley and Joyce Edwards must start...Raven Johnson and Bree Hall must be removed from the starting lineup," another user stated.

For UCLA, this was their first win on an AP No. 1 team. The Bruins were led once again by Lauren Betts' double-double of 14 points and 11 rebounds with four blocks. Londynn Jones did not miss with the 3-ball on five attempts to finish with 15 points. Star guard Kiki Rice had 11 points and three boards in her return.

South Carolina was paced by Te-Hina Paopao's team-high 18 markers, while Tessa Johnson contributed 14 off the bench as the two were the only Gamecocks in double figures.

Dawn Staley and the rest of her South Carolina squad will look to bounce back on Thursday against Iowa State, while the red-hot Bruins, who are ranked No. 1 in the latest AP poll, will have Tennesse-Martin on Friday.

Should South Carolina coach Dawn Staley play Chloe Kitts and Joyce Edwards more?

Chloe Kitts taking a shot against UCLA. (Image Credits: Joe Scarnici, Getty Images)

As a part of last year's championship squad, Kitts averaged 9.1 points and 5.9 rebounds a game for the season. This year, she has steadily ramped up those numbers to 11.6 points and 9.2 boards while adding 1.4 steals despite the limited playing time.

On the other hand, freshman Edwards is putting her stamp on the team with 9.0 points and 4.8 caroms to go along with a steal per game.

Joyce Edwards attempts a shot in the UCLA loss. (Image Credits: Joe Scarnici, Getty Images)

As Dawn Staley and the South Carolina Gamecocks have aspirations to repeat as champions this season, there is no doubt that she will need help from all of her players, especially after the UCLA loss.