South Carolina has finally reached the moment it played for all season: The Gamecocks are in the national championship game, with a chance to make history. After overcoming another slow start, South Carolina blitzed Texas with a dominant third quarter to put the game out of reach, winning 74-57 on Friday.
The Gamecocks will attempt to repeat as national champions for the first time in school history, facing UConn in Sunday’s title game. However, coach Dawn Staley and her team know the goal is still not within reach.
“We understand that this is not where we want to be,” guard MiLaysia Fulwiley said. “We want to be cutting down those nets Sunday when it matters.”
South Carolina dominated Texas throughout the game, using transition buckets, points in the paint, and timely 3-point shooting to win comfortably. Freshman Joyce Edwards had a standout performance, making huge plays on both ends of the court.
Edwards’ confidence and athleticism shone through as she scored 13 points, grabbed 11 rebounds, and dished out six assists. Her teammates saw a more confident player, and Staley praised her game, saying it was “very lean today” and that Edwards uses her ability to direct line drives effectively.
The turning point in the game came when South Carolina outscored Texas 20-9 in the third quarter, including an 11-0 run late in the quarter that sealed the win. The Gamecocks’ success was fueled by their dominance on defense, particularly against Texas forward Madison Booker, who struggled with foul trouble throughout the game.
Booker’s presence was clear, but her team ultimately fell short. “They were just dumb, mental lapses,” she said. “That’s not tough. That’s mental toughness right there.”
For Staley and her Gamecocks, though, it’s another opportunity to make history. “I’m glad we gelled together right at this time,” guard Bree Hall said. “We can turn it on immediately.”
Source: https://www.espn.com/womens-college-basketball/story/_/id/44538365/south-carolina-heads-2nd-straight-ncaa-title-game-beating-texas