Perfectly dominant. Nothing new for South Carolina.
With All-America center Kamilla Cardoso scoring 22 points, the Gamecocks emphatically kept their unbeaten season going, advancing to the championship game of the women's NCAA Tournament with a 78-59 victory over North Carolina State on Friday night.
The talented and tenacious Gamecocks (37-0) led by just one at halftime before putting their full arsenal on display in the third quarter. They clamped down on defense, started knocking down 3-pointers and outscored the Wolfpack 29-6 to turn what had been a tense matchup into another one of their blowouts.
"We turned up the heat," coach Dawn Staley said.
South Carolina will meet the winner of the second Final Four game between Iowa and UConn — a matchup featuring stars Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers that has created a buzz across America — for the national title on Sunday.
Whichever of those teams survives will have its hands full. South Carolina appears to be on a mission.
"I could tell by our faces and voices," said Gamecocks forward Ashlyn Watkins, who had 20 rebounds. "We wanted it more."
Aziaha James led N.C. State with 20 points in a game against the Gamecocks. Despite her efforts, the Wolfpack couldn't match up to the Gamecocks, who have been dominating all season and are on track to potentially become undefeated national champions.
The Gamecocks showed their strength, leaving N.C. State struggling to keep up. James commented on the tough third quarter, acknowledging the team's need to fight harder to secure a win. Cardoso also contributed with 11 rebounds, playing through an injury to support her team.
Even though Cardoso sustained a leg injury in the first half, she returned in the third quarter with determination. Gamecocks' guard Te-Hina Paopao praised Cardoso's resilience, referring to her as a "beautiful Brazilian warrior" who will push through any pain for the team's success.
Watkins displayed her dominance in the paint for the Gamecocks, grabbing 15 of her rebounds on the defensive end and contributing eight points. Raven Johnson also had a strong performance with 13 points.
Former South Carolina player Saniya Rivers, now with N.C. State, struggled with just 2 of 11 shooting and five turnovers against her old team, who made every possession challenging for her.
N.C. State coach Wes Moore understood the challenge his team faced against the formidable South Carolina.
Prior to the game, he compared the matchup to a David-vs.-Goliath battle and vowed that his team would "put the stone in the sling and let it rip."
However, the Wolfpack needed more than just stones to overcome their opponent.
"I'll probably throw up a few times when I watch that third quarter," Moore admitted, expressing regret for not switching to a zone defense earlier. "I don't feel like a very good coach after that butt-kickin'. But our players, you've got to have players.
"I always say you don't win the Kentucky Derby with a mule. You've got to have horses."
Embracing the role of the underdog, the Wolfpack, who suffered a heartbreaking double-overtime loss to UConn two years ago in the Elite Eight, were aiming to recreate the magic of 1983. During that memorable year, N.C. State's men's team, coached by Jim Valvano, stunned the basketball world by defeating the heavily favored Houston in the NCAA title game — an upset that became synonymous with March Madness.
However, unlike last year when South Carolina advanced to the Final Four in Dallas with an unblemished 36-0 record before falling to Clark and Iowa in the semifinals, the Gamecocks maintained their flawless season this time around.
Even though Cardoso, standing at 6-foot-7, was not as mobile as usual due to an injury, she ensured South Carolina's victory. The team, which boasted an average winning margin of 29.6 points this season, left no room for doubt after halftime, displaying their dominance to a packed arena and a national TV audience.
"Kamilla is a key asset for us," Staley emphasized. "She's 6-7, agile, and a force in the paint. She plays with a fierce determination to win. There were moments when she demanded the ball, showing her commitment to victory.
"It's that mindset. It's the refusal to accept defeat, the determination to end our season only in the way we envisioned — by winning the national championship. When you can align your performance with your vision, it creates a beautiful memory."
Paopao and Johnson sank crucial 3-pointers as the Gamecocks swiftly extended their lead to 10 points, culminating the quarter with a remarkable 17-1 run that silenced the enthusiastic N.C. State crowd.
Amidst a season dominated by Clark's incredible 3-point shooting and captivating charisma, one team has emerged victorious.
South Carolina has stood out above the rest, showcasing depth, talent, and swagger throughout the season.
Coach Staley faced uncertainty at the start of the season, having to replace five starters and unsure of her team's maturity. However, the Gamecocks came together, proving themselves as a force to be reckoned with and now stand on the brink of establishing a dynasty.
"One more game left," Paopao exclaimed. "We're excited for that."
