South Carolina’s head coach, Dawn Staley, celebrated her team’s victory by interacting with fans, the band, and even autographing a baby’s clothing. The Gamecocks, led by Chloe Kitts’ 14-point performance, secured a spot in the women’s NCAA Tournament’s Final Four after a hard-fought 54-50 win against Duke.
Staley acknowledged the gritty nature of the game, emphasizing the team’s ability to adapt to challenging situations. South Carolina, the defending champion, is now poised to achieve a historic back-to-back championship, with two more wins separating them from the title. The team awaits the winner between Texas and TCU for their next match.
Despite Duke’s strong defense causing difficulties for South Carolina, the Gamecocks managed to pull through in the crucial moments of the game. Sania Feagin’s key jumper and Kitts’ free throws were instrumental in securing the victory. Toby Fournier led Duke with 18 points, showcasing her talent even in defeat.
In the closing stages, South Carolina’s solid free-throw shooting sealed the win, much to the delight of the supportive crowd. Duke’s efforts fell short, with missed opportunities in the final moments. The Gamecocks’ resilience and execution were praised by both coaches, highlighting the intense competition between the two teams throughout the game.
The Blue Devils, trailing at halftime, made a strong comeback in the third quarter to briefly take the lead. However, South Carolina’s determination proved decisive in the end, marking their first postseason encounter with Duke. The Final Four matchup is set for Friday night in Tampa, Florida.
