South Carolina expects another physical matchup with UCLA in Women's NCAA championship

5 point underdogs for the title game, despite the fact that the Bruins are riding a 30-game win streak and have been the nation’s most consistent outfit from start to finish this season. Of course, that’s in large part because of South Carolina’s history on this stage and the Gamecocks’ statement win over previously unbeaten UConn in Friday’s first semifinal. With a win on Sunday, South Carolina will become just the third program in women’s NCAA history to win a fourth national title, alongside UConn and Tennessee.

It needs nary an explanation how historically significant that achievement would be. Not only that, a win would tie Dawn Staley with Kim Mulkey for third with a fourth national title, which would all but cement her place on the sport’s Mount Rushmore. And yet, as daunting as the task of facing off with South Carolina for a championship is, the Gamecocks are well aware of the threat their opponent possesses as well.

Most programs that have been on the national championship stage for the first time haven’t yet established themselves as a national power the same way the Bruins have over the course of the last few seasons. For UCLA, a national championship hasn’t necessarily been a matter of if, but a matter of when. And of course, it would be extra sweet if UCLA was able to reach the top of the mountain before USC was able to get back.

“It’s two teams wanting to win a championship,” South Carolina forward Ta’Niya Latson said. “They’re not going to lie down just because we’re South Carolina. It's going to be a really physical game.