South Carolina Advances to Final Four with 70-58 Win over Oregon State

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ICARO Media Group
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31/03/2024 20h14

In an intense match-up, South Carolina's women's basketball team secured their spot in the Final Four of the NCAA Tournament with a commanding 70-58 victory over Oregon State. The Gamecocks showcased their dominance, led by Tessa Johnson's 15 points and Kamilla Cardoso's 12 points, to continue their undefeated streak.

This marks the second consecutive year that South Carolina has advanced to the national semifinals unbeaten. However, the Gamecocks are determined to go one step further this time. With a completely new starting lineup, coach Dawn Staley and her team are on the verge of claiming their school's third national championship.

South Carolina's journey to the Final Four has been nothing short of impressive. Having reached this stage for four consecutive years, the Gamecocks have established themselves as a powerhouse in women's college basketball. They will now face either Texas or N.C. State in the upcoming semi-final match on Friday night in Cleveland.

A win for South Carolina in the next two games would make them the 10th school in history to finish a season undefeated, the first since UConn accomplished the feat in 2016. The Gamecocks are leaving no stone unturned in their quest for glory.

The game against Oregon State was not without its challenges. South Carolina led by just four points at halftime, but managed to extend their lead to 14 points. However, the resilient Beavers fought back, coming within four points with 3:55 left in the game. Unfortunately for Oregon State, they missed their final seven shots, allowing the Gamecocks to secure the victory.

Tessa Johnson played a crucial role for South Carolina, responding to a timeout with a three-point play that reestablished a seven-point lead. Johnson continued to make an impact by making two crucial free throws with 44.5 seconds remaining on the clock. Raegan Beers provided a strong performance for the Beavers, leading the team with 16 points.

South Carolina has exhibited their ability to overcome challenges throughout the tournament. In the Albany 1 Region, they experienced a similar situation against Indiana, where they let a double-digit second-half lead slip away. However, the young Gamecocks rallied and made the necessary plays down the stretch to secure the win.

The Gamecocks' dominance on the offensive boards played a pivotal role in their victory over Oregon State. They grabbed an impressive 13 offensive rebounds in the first half alone, giving them a 37-33 lead at halftime. Despite the Beavers' six 3-pointers, including three by Lily Hansford, South Carolina's offensive prowess proved to be the deciding factor.

South Carolina's journey towards their third national championship continues, with only two more victories standing between them and their ultimate goal. As they head into the Final Four, the Gamecocks are determined to leave their mark in women's college basketball history.

The views expressed in this article do not reflect the opinion of ICARO, or any of its affiliates.

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