In a thrilling matchup during the women's Final Four held in Tampa, Florida, the South Carolina Gamecocks showcased their championship pedigree by defeating the Texas Longhorns 74-57. This victory propels South Carolina (35-3) into the national title game, where they will face the formidable UConn Huskies (36-3) on Sunday. If they win, it will mark their third title within the last four seasons, solidifying head coach Dawn Staley's legacy in women’s basketball.

The Gamecocks, known for their resilience, once again displayed their ability to overcome adversity. Despite a rocky start, they rallied to gain an impressive lead, demonstrating their poise under pressure. Forward Joyce Edwards encapsulated the team's spirit, stating, "We knew how to bounce back. We’re a resilient team."

The game did not begin in South Carolina's favor. The Longhorns, led by All-American Madison Booker, jumped to an early 12-7 lead, capitalizing on South Carolina's initial struggles, including multiple turnovers. However, the momentum shifted dramatically when Booker found herself in foul trouble, forcing her to sit out key minutes in the first half. Her absence proved detrimental for Texas, as South Carolina seized control of the game during her bench time—outscoring the Longhorns by a significant margin.

The Gamecocks' exceptional defensive performance was particularly evident in the third quarter. They effectively restricted Texas, leading to the Longhorns missing 10 of their 14 shots during that period. South Carolina's fierce defense not only stifled Texas's offense but also built an insurmountable 17-point lead, a significant factor in their victory.

Despite a strong showing from Texas, head coach Vic Schaefer admitted defeat, stating, "We lost to a better team tonight." The Gamecocks utilized their roster depth magnificently, with contributions from multiple players. Edwards (13 points, 11 rebounds) and Te-Hina Paopao (14 points) stood out, but the team's success was rooted in a balanced effort, with seven players scoring between 6 to 14 points. Additionally, they garnered an impressive 35 points from their bench.

As they prepare for the national championship, Staley praised her team's depth and commitment, emphasizing the importance of their experiences in reaching this historic stage. The excitement builds as fans eagerly wait to see if South Carolina can clinch another national title, continuing their dominance in women's college basketball.