South Carolina returns to the NCAA championship game in a showdown with newcomer UCLA
PHOENIX (AP) — Dawn Staley and South Carolina are back in a familiar place, reaching the women's NCAA Tournament championship game for the fourth time in five years. They'll have to beat a title-seeking newcomer in UCLA to win the ultimate prize. South Carolina will be trying to win its fourth national championship in nine years.
The Gamecocks played stifling defense to knock off UConn 62-48 and end the Huskies' 54-game winning streak in the semifinals of March Madness on Friday night. UCLA played incredible defense of its own in its 51-44 win over Texas . The Bruins spoiled a chance at the first all-SEC title game since 2017, when Staley’s team beat Mississippi State, which was led by current Texas coach Vic Schaefer.
That victory was South Carolina's first title and started the current run that the Gamecocks have been on over the last decade. South Carolian and UCLA have played each other many times over the past few seasons. UCLA coach Cori Close has been impressed with what Staley has built at South Carolina.
“Dawn does such a great job and is a standard-bearer in our sport,” Close said. "Thankful for what they’ve done, not just for South Carolina, but for the game. We also are an incredibly competitive, confident group.
I’m sure they are as well. All you can ask for is to play your best basketball for a national championship. " The Bruins have been on a mission this season since losing to UConn in the Final Four last season.