South Carolina triumphs over NC State to secure their second NCAA Women’s Championship game appearance in three years.

Recognition is rightfully due to the success. Dawn Staley, the head coach, and the Gamecocks were predicted to decline after losing many of their key players last season. Yet, to everyone’s surprise, South Carolina achieved an unprecedented feat by finishing the season undefeated for the first time in the program’s history.

With a flawless record of 37-0, the top-ranked Gamecocks secured a commanding victory over the no. 3 NC State Wolfpack in the Final Four. Among the spectators were former Gamecock players Aliyah Boston and A’ja Wilson.

They are now the inaugural team to advance to the NCAA Finals with a perfect record since the UConn Huskies in 2016.

South Carolina arrived at this clash as significant favorites with an 11.5-point lead after defeating Presbyterian, UNC, Indiana, and Oregon State in the preceding rounds. Leading the nation with an impressive +29.3 point margin, they showcased their prowess to the basketball world on Friday.

During a post-game conversation with Indiana Fever’s center on ESPN, Staley shared an emotional moment with her past player. Although Boston played a pivotal role in their championship journey, their dreams were shattered last year in the Final Four by Iowa.

Expressing her pride in the former Gamecock, she emphasized their determination to redeem Boston. Boston, who spent four years playing under Staley at South Carolina, was chosen as the top overall pick by Indiana in the 2023 WNBA Draft.

“We’re excited”, Staley told ESPN’s Aliyah Boston. “This is the place we wanted to be. We want to do it for you. We really want to take care of Sunday for you and the freshies because you gave basketball everything you had, and you came up short in your senior year.”

The Gamecocks took control of the game in the third quarter

Deadlocked at 16 points each in the opening quarter, the Wolfpack managed to keep the game relatively close, trailing 32-31 at halftime. Despite NC State’s remarkable season, they were simply no match for the unstoppable force of the Gamecocks.

Undefeated and dominant, South Carolina overpowered another opponent in the tournament. With towering 6’7 center Kamila Cardoso leading the charge, she concluded the game with an impressive 22 points, 11 rebounds, and two blocks on a remarkable 10-12 shooting from the field.

As they entered the third quarter, the Gamecocks unleashed their full potential, outscoring NC State 29-6 in that period. Indeed, you read that correctly, NC State managed a mere six points. Demonstrating their defensive prowess, this team excels when coordinating plays both offensively and defensively through Cardoso.

Apart from a couple of free throws, Wolfpack guard Aziaha James registered the only field goal in the third quarter. NC State struggled, shooting 1-11 collectively in that period. Moreover, their 29 points in that quarter marked the highest score recorded in any quarter in Women’s Final Four history.

Credit goes to James, who wrapped up the game with a team-leading 20 points on 6-17 shooting. Despite South Carolina’s tight defense on her, James played a pivotal role in their remarkable March Madness journey. While Cardoso dominated the paint, the effectiveness of South Carolina revolved around the team’s depth and contributions from the bench.

Saniya Rivers, a South Carolina title winner, transferred to NC State during her sophomore year. This season, she averaged 12.5 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 3.7 assists. A crucial element in their success, Rivers struggled, hitting only 2-11 from the field with five turnovers.

Fortunately for Staley, she had the luxury of resting Cardoso in the final quarter. This decision followed an apparent leg injury Cardoso endured in the third quarter. Although she returned to the court, the center sported a black leg sleeve for the remainder of the match.

Staley assembled a talented roster around Kamilla Cardoso

Speaking of the bench, Ashlyn Watkins received significant minutes on the court. Standing tall at 6 feet 3 inches, Watkins secured her place in South Carolina women’s basketball history by executing a dunk in 2022 against Clemson.

Demonstrating her exceptional vertical leap and court awareness, Watkins grabbed an impressive 20 rebounds against NC State. South Carolina dominated the rebounds, outnumbering NC State 46-32.

A dominating presence on defense, 15 of her 20 rebounds were on the defensive end. Restricting NC State to a meager 32.3 percent shooting from the field and 26.1 percent from beyond the arc, it was their ability to secure defensive stops and rebounds that translated into offensive opportunities. Apart from her remarkable performance on the boards, Watkins contributed eight points, one assist, and two blocks.

Throughout the monumental third quarter, the Gamecocks missed only seven field goal attempts. Third-year guard Raven Johnson caught the eye with her splendid performance. Initially appearing to be injured and heading towards the locker room, she returned to finish with 13 points on 3-5 shooting from beyond the arc.

Renowned for her defensive tenacity, Johnson also recorded three steals and five assists during the game. Her shooting improved to 4-5 from the floor in the second half.

Within a talented backcourt, senior transfer Te-Hina Paopao tallied 10 points on 2-5 shooting from beyond the arc. Distributing six assists, the guard maintained a perfect three-point shooting record in the third quarter. Ahead by 21 points with seconds remaining, Bree Hall sank a three-pointer to conclude the quarter.

This underlines the depth of talent in South Carolina’s roster beyond Cardoso’s rim protection, with various players capable of stepping up at critical junctures. Staley’s refusal to ease up illustrates the team’s formidable nature.

The Gamecocks’ bench contributed 30 points

While NC State outscored South Carolina 22-17 in the final quarter, Dawn Staley’s bench provided a significant boost of 30 points. Though freshman Milaysia Fulwiley struggled offensively, she proved to be a defensive stalwart, tallying four steals.

There is strong belief that she has the potential to evolve into a key player in the championship match. Tessa Johnson, Fulwiley, Watkins, and Sania Feagin – these individuals play pivotal roles in the team’s success.

Overall, the Gamecocks showcased their true essence to everyone. A physically dominant team proficient on both offense and defense, continuously overpowering their opponents. Undoubtedly the most well-rounded team in the NCAA tournament, it is time to acknowledge Coach Staley’s exceptional leadership.

Winning the national championship in 2022 and 2017, Staley marks her sixth appearance in the finals since assuming the head coaching role in 2008. Undoubtedly one of the finest coaches in the realm of basketball, Staley is redefining women’s basketball.

We cannot overlook the moment when Caitlin Clark waved off Raven Johnson during last year’s Final Four triumph over South Carolina. Despite Iowa shattering their perfect season, Staley, honored as the Naismith Coach of the Year, aims to further enhance the legacy she has established at South Carolina.