South Carolina Dominates Oregon State, Advances to Fourth Consecutive Final Four
ICARO Media Group
In a thrilling matchup, the South Carolina Gamecocks pulled away from the Oregon State Beavers to secure a spot in the Final Four for the fourth consecutive season. The final score stood at 58-46 in favor of South Carolina.
The game started off with South Carolina taking control, displaying their dominance on both ends of the court. Despite some struggles finding their rhythm, the Gamecocks managed to overwhelm the Beavers in the third quarter, building a double-digit lead. Kamilla Cardoso led the way with an impressive 12 points, while the Gamecocks' bench made a significant contribution with a combined 31 points.
South Carolina's defense intensified as the game progressed, putting immense pressure on the Beavers. Their dominance on the offensive boards resulted in numerous second-chance opportunities, leading to a 12-0 scoring run, which extended their lead to 14 points. The Beavers found it increasingly difficult to mount a comeback.
Although South Carolina is known for their prowess in 3-point shooting, they struggled in that department during this game. They missed ten consecutive 3-point attempts until Raven Johnson finally broke the drought with a crucial shot from the corner, boosting their lead to five points. Overall, they finished the game with a 3-of-16 shooting record from beyond the arc.
However, foul trouble plagued the Gamecocks, particularly Kamilla Cardoso, who accumulated three fouls during the game. Some of the calls made by the referees were questionable, negatively affecting the flow of the game.
At halftime, South Carolina held a narrow lead of 37-33, with the Beavers refusing to go away. Despite Raegan Beers and Timea Gardiner both having three fouls each, the Beavers stayed within striking distance. Their success from three-point range, outscoring the Gamecocks by 12 points in that area, offset the Gamecocks' advantage in the paint.
The game took a decisive turn in the second half when South Carolina started to pull away. With Beers and Gardiner finding themselves in foul trouble, the Gamecocks capitalized on the opportunity and stretched their lead to nine points, forcing a Beavers timeout.
South Carolina's dominance was evident throughout the game, even though the scoreboard didn't always reflect it. Their superior length and athleticism gave them the upper hand. With both Beers and Gardiner restricted due to foul trouble, the Gamecocks were able to assert their control on the court.
In the first quarter, South Carolina showcased their control and dominance over the game, but two clutch 3-pointers from Lily Hansford helped the Beavers stay within reach. The Beavers' strategy of making the game low-possession and capitalizing on three-point shooting countered the Gamecocks' advantage in the paint. The points in the paint stat heavily favored South Carolina, standing at 24-6.
Oregon State's ongoing turnover woes continued in this game, having committed 26 turnovers in their previous Sweet 16 victory. They struggled to handle South Carolina's defensive pressure, resulting in multiple giveaways early in the game. If the Beavers couldn't rectify this issue, their chances of victory were severely diminished.
With South Carolina securing their spot in the Final Four, their next opponent will be determined in the matchup between Texas and NC State. The Gamecocks, led by star freshman Madison Booker, have showcased their dominance throughout the tournament, while NC State relies heavily on Aziaha James, who has been a key scorer in their recent victories.
South Carolina continues to solidify their status as a powerhouse under the guidance of coach Dawn Staley. Their young and vibrant team culture, coupled with an unwavering sense of accountability, has propelled them towards achieving an undefeated record, aiming to enter the Final Four for the second consecutive year.
In conclusion, South Carolina's dominance prevailed over Oregon State, as they secured their spot in the Final Four for the fourth consecutive season. Despite the Beavers' efforts, the Gamecocks demonstrated their superiority on both ends of the court. This victory propels South Carolina closer to their ultimate goal of winning the championship.