South Carolina Dominates, Seals Final Four Berth!

South Carolina Dominates, Seals Final Four Berth!

The stage is set for an epic Women’s Final Four, and for the first time in eight years, all four top seeds have advanced. This marks the fifth time in the history of women’s college basketball that the top four seeds have made it to the Final Four. Even more incredibly, it’s the same four programs from last year, though the matchups have changed. This repeat Final Four hasn’t happened since 1995 and 1996 when it featured UConn, Tennessee, Stanford, and Georgia.

South Carolina’s Historic Run Continues

The South Carolina Gamecocks are making history with their sixth consecutive trip to the Final Four, the second-longest streak by any program ever. Before this incredible run began in 2017, they had only appeared in the Final Four twice. Now, they’re aiming for their fifth national championship game appearance and a fourth title.

Coach Dawn Staley, a familiar face in the Final Four, expressed her joy after their dominant win. “We had people who transferred in, Tanaya, Medina, they all made sacrifices to come to play for South Carolina,” Staley said. “It’s only right that we get to share a Final Four with them. So, I’m super happy. They made a huge sacrifice and the sacrifice is well worth it where you’re able to play in the Final Four.”

The Gamecocks’ defense was suffocating in their victory, holding TCU, a team that averages 77 points per game, to a mere 25 points below their average. “I think leaving Miles puts a lot of pressure on the defense,” Staley explained when asked about their defensive strategy. “So we really tried to limit her vision, try to get into a game in which she shot the ball inefficiently and just tried different people at her. Raven started on her, Ashlyn Watkins finished it, just different bodies thrown at her.”

Staley also highlighted the contributions of her new players. “A third of our team is made up of new players. AD, Ashlyn, Kamilla, and Tanaya. They all did a great job of playing the role that they needed to play for us and they did it to the best of their abilities.”

Texas Cruises to the Final Four

The Texas Longhorns also punched their ticket to the Final Four, defeating Michigan, a strong two seed, with an impressive 77-41 victory. Texas played like a number one seed from start to finish, excelling on both ends of the court. Their offense was on fire, especially in the first quarter where they shot an astonishing 92% from the field, the best quarter percentage by any team since 2019. Madison Booker led the charge with 15 points in the first half, and Rori Harmon dished out 13 assists in the game.

“For Texas, they came out in every single game in this tournament and just start to finish looked like a number one seed,” said former coach Muffet McGraw. “They played well both ends of the floor. Their offense is cooking with Rori Harmon tonight, 13 assists. You mentioned Madison Booker earlier. They really have played the best coming to this point.”

Looking Ahead: A Giant Awaits

The Final Four matchups are set, with UConn, the overwhelming favorites and undefeated team, set to face South Carolina. Texas will play UCLA.

Coach Staley acknowledges the challenge of facing UConn. “Don just called UConn a monster. That’s fair. They really haven’t been tested a lot,” Staley admitted. “It is going to be really difficult to beat them. I think they haven’t played great up to this point, but you know they can. You know, they’re comfortable in the position that they’re in. But when you’re undefeated and the game gets close, you do start thinking about we haven’t lost a game yet. And if they can keep it close, like Don said, maybe they can get the win.”

When asked about the possibility of an upset, McGraw commented, “I don’t think so. I think Connecticut has the most talent in the field for sure. Paige Bueckers, the most versatile player in college basketball. Aaliyah Edwards probably the number one pick in the WNBA draft and they had a freshman step up big in their last game as well. So I think talent-wise, player for player, Yukon has the best chance.”

Despite the odds, the excitement is palpable. “But as you say, Muffet, sometimes you can slay the monster. It can happen and that’s why we love sports and that’s why we watch,” said host Scott Van Pelt. The Final Four promises thrilling matchups as these elite teams battle for the national championship.

Source: Women’s Final Four is set! 🔥 Dawn Staley talks South Carolina’s win vs. TCU | SC with SVP (YouTube)