South Carolina remains undefeated and has advanced to the NCAA tournament championship game after defeating NC State 78-59. Kamilla Cardoso led the Gamecocks with 22 points and 11 rebounds, despite sustaining an injury scare in the second quarter. Ashlyn Watkins contributed an impressive 20 rebounds off the bench. NC State had been exceeding expectations all season, but ultimately fell short in the Final Four matchup.
The Wolfpack managed to capitalize on South Carolina’s mistakes early in the game, ending the first quarter tied 16-16. Despite a strong start by South Carolina with a 5-0 run led by Te-Hina Pao Pao, the Wolfpack were able to stay competitive. NC State held a slight lead after the first quarter, with Aziaha James leading the team with 10 points. South Carolina struggled with turnovers, but still managed to enter halftime with a narrow 32-31 lead.
Cardoso’s injury in the second quarter caused concern, but she returned to the game in the third quarter with a sleeve on her leg. She quickly showed she was fine by leading the Gamecocks to a strong start in the third quarter. South Carolina outscored NC State 29-6 in the third period, breaking open a substantial lead. Bree Hall and Pao Pao contributed with back-to-back 3-pointers to further extend the Gamecocks’ lead.
In the fourth quarter, South Carolina maintained their lead and ultimately secured a spot in the championship game. They will face the winner of UConn vs. Iowa as they seek to complete a perfect season. Last year, South Carolina was eliminated from the Final Four by Iowa and Caitlin Clark, so there is a revenge match potentially waiting for them in the championship game. The Gamecocks will aim to finish their season undefeated and claim the NCAA tournament title.
