South Carolina Move to 36-0 to Make NCAA Tournament Final Four – Tessa Johnson showcased her scoring prowess with a remarkable 15-point performance, complemented by Kamilla Cardoso’s contribution of 12 points, as the undefeated South Carolina team secured a decisive 70-58 victory over Oregon State in the women’s NCAA Tournament on Sunday.
With this triumph, South Carolina booked their ticket to the prestigious Final Four for the second consecutive year, maintaining their flawless record throughout the season. Led by the astute coaching of Dawn Staley, South Carolina finds themselves on the cusp of clinching their school’s third national championship, boasting an entirely revamped starting lineup this season.
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Despite falling short in the Final Four last year against Caitlin Clark and Iowa, the resilient Gamecocks have demonstrated their unwavering determination to emerge victorious this time around. Having consistently reached the pinnacle of collegiate basketball, with four consecutive appearances in the Final Four, South Carolina epitomizes excellence in women’s basketball.
Their upcoming clash in Cleveland against either Texas or NC State presents another opportunity to showcase their dominance on the court. A win in the upcoming matchup would not only propel South Carolina closer to securing the national title but would also solidify their place in history as the 10th school to finish a season undefeated, a feat last accomplished by UConn in 2016.
Despite a valiant effort by Oregon State to narrow the deficit to four points at halftime and later trim the lead to 62-58 in the closing minutes, South Carolina’s resolute defense held firm, denying the Beavers any further scoring opportunities. Tessa Johnson’s clutch three-point play following a crucial timeout proved pivotal in restoring South Carolina’s advantage and ultimately sealing the victory.
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Riding on the momentum from their previous victories, South Carolina displayed resilience in the face of adversity, overcoming challenges to maintain their lead against formidable opponents like Indiana and Oregon State in the regional rounds. Raven Johnson’s timely three-pointer and Sania Feagin’s crucial contributions underscored the depth and versatility of the Gamecocks’ roster, propelling them to yet another impressive triumph on their journey to glory.