South Carolina Exhibits Resilience Against Duke to Secure Final Four Spot
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – South Carolina faced numerous challenges throughout the NCAA tournament, but none were as intense as the final moments of the Elite Eight matchup against Duke on Sunday. With a slim two-point advantage and 29.8 seconds left, veteran player Bree Hall got called for an offensive foul, resulting in Ashlon Jackson ending up on the floor. Hall was on the brink of a meltdown, astonished by the referee’s decision. However, Assistant Coach Mary Wooley helped her regain composure by emphasizing her crucial role in the imminent defensive play.
As Duke initiated their offense amidst dwindling seconds, the ball found its way to Jackson for a potentially game-changing 3-pointer. Hall tightened her defense, causing Jackson to miss the attempt. Hall secured the rebound, allowing South Carolina to maintain its lead, eventually clinching a 54-50 victory and earning a place in their fifth consecutive Final Four, keeping alive their dream of a national championship repeat. “It couldn’t have unfolded any better,” Hall remarked. “It was like redemption after the offensive error, getting the rebound sealed it. I felt elated.”
Throughout the tournament, the reigning champions have faced multiple obstacles but emerged unyielding. After trailing at halftime against Indiana in the second round, they bounced back to win. Facing a deficit in the fourth quarter against Maryland in the Sweet 16, they rallied again. Distinct players arose to make pivotal contributions, a hallmark of their championship pursuit. In both the Indiana and Duke confrontations, South Carolina’s coach, Dawn Staley, relied on her starters to execute effectively in high-pressure moments. Notably, Hall made a critical defensive stop while Chloe Kitts scored two crucial free throws with 5 seconds remaining to seal the deal. Having missed key free throws earlier in the game, Kitts redeemed herself by delivering in the clutch after Coach Staley entrusted her with the task.
“I reminded myself that my coach had faith in me to handle the final play because of my shooting ability,” Kitts stated. Fellow teammate Hall, standing at the free-throw line, offered vocal encouragement, echoing, “You’re unshakeable! You got this.” Before the final moments, the game seemed uncertain. South Carolina initially set a strong pace, but Duke adapted their strategy, turning the game into a defense-heavy contest where points were scarce. Duke’s relentless defense in the third quarter made it challenging for South Carolina, gradually overcoming their lead until forming a six-point advantage.
Yet, South Carolina wasn’t subdued for long. They commenced the fourth quarter with an 8-0 surge, reclaiming the lead after a successful shot from Te-Hina Paopao, igniting the South Carolina fans in attendance. “They forced us into nearly detrimental shots,” noted Coach Staley, “but in the end, executing plays under pressure was crucial, making the difference down the stretch.” Entering the last quarter, MiLaysia Fulwiley inspired the team with straightforward motivation. “We’ve been here; they haven’t,” she declared, asserting South Carolina’s readiness and experience in handling pressure unlike their opponents.
Final moments saw Coach Staley deploy her seasoned veterans, while Duke’s coach, Kara Lawson, made the tactical decision to bench Toby Fournier, who led all scorers with 18 points but slowed down in the latter half. As Kitts sank her final free throws, the stadium erupted with anticipation of South Carolina’s upcoming Final Four appearance. Players Paopao and Hall initiated the celebrations, soon joined by teammates eager to make school history by pursuing consecutive national championships. Their relentless spirit shone through once again.
“It’s a tough journey,” Paopao expressed, acknowledging the weight of defending their title as every opponent is set to challenge them fiercely. “We battle every game, rising above the obstacles, and I am immensely proud of this team’s tenacity.” The team’s steadfast resolve ensures their championship goals remain firmly within reach.