PHOENIX — Every morning during the offseason, South Carolina had a daily reminder of their national championship loss to UConn. Molly Binetti, the women’s basketball sports performance coach, put the score on the weight room televisions at 6 a.m. This was a powerful motivator for the team, and it left a mark on new players like Ta’Niya Latson.
Latson explained, “Even if I didn’t experience that loss, I felt I had to take on that pain. It’s about more than just myself; it’s for the team and the coaches.”
When the Gamecocks met UConn again in the national semifinal, they were ready for vengeance. South Carolina won 62-48, marking their third straight trip to the championship game. At the end of the match, UConn coach Geno Auriemma and South Carolina coach Dawn Staley exchanged words. Auriemma left without shaking hands, heading straight for the locker room.
The Gamecocks’ victory came from a strong defensive strategy. UConn, which scored an average of 87 points this season, struggled significantly. Star player Sarah Strong only managed 12 points, and All-American Azzi Fudd scored just 8, shooting poorly throughout the game.
Staley praised her team’s performance, stating, “Our defense was more disciplined than I expected.” The Gamecocks held UConn to just 31% shooting. Despite not shooting much better themselves at 37.5%, their defensive intensity kept them in the game, even after a tough second quarter.
At halftime, Staley fired up her players with the message to “meet the moment.” This motivated the team to step up their game in the third quarter. They scored 46% for that period, led by Latson with 16 points and Agot Makeer with 14.
UConn made a bold attempt to comeback with three consecutive three-pointers, but South Carolina responded immediately. The Gamecocks finished strong, outscoring UConn 16-4 in the final stretch of the game.
With this victory, South Carolina heads into the championship game against UCLA. It’s a testament to their hard work and determination, something coach Staley emphasized throughout the season.
In recent years, women’s college basketball has seen a rise in viewership and engagement. According to the NCAA, women’s tournament games attracted an average of 1.2 million viewers in 2022, a sharp increase from previous years. This demonstrates the growing excitement and stakes in women’s sports.
The fervor around the Gamecocks’ journey encapsulates not just a game, but a passion for the sport that continues to grow and inspire young athletes. As they gear up for the championship, fans and players alike are eager to see if South Carolina can capture the title they’ve been pursuing so fervently.
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South Carolina State Bulldogs, Connecticut Huskies, Women's College Basketball
