Sports
South Carolina Secures Spot in NCAA Title Game Again After Texas Victory
Tampa, Florida, serves as the venue where the South Carolina Women’s Basketball team stands on the threshold of reaching its long-sought-after goal. The Gamecocks successfully reached the national championship final after their Friday victory over Texas.
This is the third time the team has reached the final in the last four years.
With this win, South Carolina is now on the verge of making history. The team will now try to win two consecutive national titles for the first time in school history. The last time this feat was achieved before this was when UConn won four titles in a row from 2013 to 2016.
One-sided win: Life came in the third quarter
Although South Carolina looked a bit slow in the beginning, the game shown by the team in the third quarter completely defeated Texas. In this quarter, the Gamecocks outscored Texas 20-9, including a decisive 11-0 run. This is where the match turned, and Texas could not come back.
Even after the match, the team’s happiness was not very visible. The players know that the real goal is yet to come. The team’s guard, Milesia Fulville, said,
“We know that we have not yet reached where we want to reach. The real victory will be to lift the trophy on Sunday.”
Joyce Edwards’ return and explosive performance
The team’s freshman player Joyce Edwards presented herself with new confidence in this match. She had been lackluster in the last three matches, but this time she came off the bench and played an important role in the team’s victory by giving 13 points, 11 rebounds, and 6 assists.
Coach Dawn Staley had already said that if the championship is to be won, then Edwards will have to come forward. And that is what she did.
“She kept her game restrained today, did not rush. Her strength, direct drive ability, and athleticism were excellent today,” Staley said.
Te-Hina Paopao’s accuracy
Senior Te-Hina Paopao also made a great show of her experience. She scored 14 points and made 3 of 4 three-point shots, tearing apart the Texas defense. Her skill and timing baffled the Texas defense.
Reason for Texas’s loss: Madison Booker’s foul trouble
Texas star forward Madison Booker, the reigning SEC Player of the Year, got into foul trouble early. Her second foul in the final three minutes of the first quarter and a third in the final moments of the second quarter cost Texas dearly.
Booker herself said:
“I should have let her get the ball. It was a stupid mistake.”
In her absence, Texas lost momentum and South Carolina took the lead.
Another chance to make history
Coach Staley is a perfect 8-0 against Texas coach Vic Schaefer. He has once again proven that his strategy and team composure trump everything else on the big stage.
Team player Brie Hall said:
“A lot of people doubted us early on, but that’s the beauty of this team. We can change the game in time — and that’s what we did today.”
Conclusion
The focus and dedication South Carolina has shown this season have brought them very close to another title. Coach Dawn Staley’s experienced leadership and the players’ solid mindset have once again shown how to beat great teams.
FAQs
Q.1: How many times has South Carolina been to the finals?
A: This is the third time in the last four years that South Carolina has made it to the national championship finals.
Q.2: Has South Carolina ever won back-to-back championships before?
A: No, this will be the first time they will attempt to win a second championship in a row.
Q.3: What was the turning point of the game?
A: The 11-0 run in the third quarter that put Texas out of the game.
Q.4: Which players were the most impressive?
A: Joyce Edwards (13 points, 11 rebounds), Te-Hina Paopao (14 points), and Milesia Fulville’s mental alertness were the key.
Q.5: What was the biggest reason for Texas’s loss?
A: Madison Booker is getting into foul trouble early, and Texas’s weak defense in the third quarter.
