South Carolina continues their dominant season with a 78-59 victory over North Carolina State in the women’s NCAA Tournament semifinals. All-America center Kamilla Cardoso led the Gamecocks with 22 points, while forward Ashlyn Watkins added 20 rebounds. The Gamecocks turned up the heat in the third quarter, outscoring the Wolfpack 29-6 and showcasing their full arsenal, including strong defense and 3-point shooting. South Carolina will face Iowa in the championship game on Sunday in a rematch of last year’s Final Four clash.
Despite a strong performance from Aziaha James, who scored 20 points for N.C. State, the Wolfpack had no answer for South Carolina’s dominance. The Gamecocks, who were unanimously ranked No. 1 for most of the season, remain undefeated and are aiming to become the first undefeated national champions since UConn in 2016. Coach Dawn Staley praised Cardoso’s resilience after she suffered a right leg injury in the first half but returned to play in the third quarter wearing a compression sleeve. Staley emphasized the team’s focus on winning the national championship.
Watkins also contributed significantly for the Gamecocks with 15 defensive rebounds and eight points. Former South Carolina player Saniya Rivers, who transferred to N.C. State, struggled with her shooting against her former teammates. N.C. State coach Wes Moore admitted his team was outmatched by the bigger and stronger South Carolina squad, describing the game as a David-vs.-Goliath matchup. Despite the loss, Moore expressed pride in his players’ efforts and acknowledged the challenge of facing a team like South Carolina.
The Gamecocks maintained their dominance in the third quarter, quickly stretching their lead with 3-pointers from Te-Hina Paopao and Raven Johnson. South Carolina’s depth, talent, and swagger have set them apart in this historic season of women’s basketball. Coach Staley initially had concerns about her young team replacing five starters from the previous season, but they have exceeded expectations and are on the verge of cementing themselves as a dynasty with a potential national championship win. The Gamecocks have embraced the underdog role and are eager to finish the season on a high note.
The Gamecocks’ path to the championship game was marked by impressive performances and a determination to prove themselves as the best team in the country. South Carolina’s players have shown a desire to win and a commitment to each other, traits that have propelled them to the top of women’s college basketball. As they prepare to face off against Iowa in the title game, the Gamecocks are focused on finishing the season strong and etching their names in the history books. With one more game left in their season, South Carolina is ready to seize the opportunity to claim the national championship.
