South Carolina Secures Sixth Consecutive Final Four Berth, Set for UConn Rematch
South Carolina has secured its sixth consecutive appearance in the NCAA Women's Basketball Final Four following victories in the Sweet 16 against Oklahoma and the Elite Eight against TCU. The team is now scheduled to face UConn in Phoenix, in a rematch of last season's national championship game.
South Carolina is heading to its sixth consecutive NCAA Women's Basketball Final Four.
NCAA Tournament Progression
Sweet 16: South Carolina Dominates Oklahoma
South Carolina defeated the #4 seed Oklahoma 94-68 in the Sweet 16. The team converted 10 of 14 three-point attempts (71%) and started the game with a 10-0 run, making 7 of 11 three-pointers by halftime, exceeding their season average of 6.1 made three-pointers per game.
South Carolina also secured a 39-36 advantage in rebounds and limited Oklahoma to 39% shooting from the field and 30% from three-point range, holding them to 68 points, below their season average of 86.5 points per game. This victory marked South Carolina's first win against Oklahoma this season, following a 94-82 overtime loss in January.
Elite Eight: Overcoming TCU in Sacramento
In the Elite Eight, South Carolina defeated TCU 78-52 in Sacramento. TCU initiated the game with a 12-4 run, taking an eight-point lead. South Carolina responded by making eight of its subsequent 12 field goal attempts to gain a two-point lead by the end of the first quarter. By halftime, South Carolina extended its lead to eight points, capping a 17-5 run.
During the second quarter, TCU's Marta Suarez exited the game due to a rolled right ankle but returned to play in the second half. In the third quarter, TCU's Olivia Miles sustained a leg injury, re-entering the game for the fourth quarter. South Carolina maintained an eight-point lead entering the final period, where a 12-0 run pushed their lead to 20 points, securing the victory.
South Carolina also held a 52-24 rebounding advantage over TCU. TCU's Elite Eight appearance concluded their season, matching the program's highest-ever finish.
Key Player Performances
Against Oklahoma in the Sweet 16:
- Ta'Niya Latson scored 28 points and provided five assists, shooting 7 of 11 from the field, 4 of 4 from three-point range, and 10 of 10 from the free-throw line.
- Raven Johnson contributed 18 points and three assists, shooting 8 of 11 from the field and 2 of 3 from three-point range.
- Tessa Johnson added 14 points and four rebounds, shooting 6 of 8 from the field and 2 of 2 from three-point range.
- Madina Okot secured 12 rebounds, 9 points, 2 steals, and 2 blocks.
Against TCU in the Elite Eight:
- Joyce Edwards led South Carolina with 24 points and 12 rebounds, shooting 10 of 20 from the field. This performance marked her 22nd game of the season with 20 or more points, tying a program record. TCU Head Coach Mark Campbell stated that South Carolina secured 22 offensive rebounds, with Edwards contributing nine of those.
- Agot Makeer scored a career-high 18 points off the bench, along with four rebounds, three assists, and three steals. She also provided defensive coverage against TCU's point guard Olivia Miles.
For TCU against South Carolina, Olivia Miles recorded 18 points and six assists with four turnovers. Taylor Bigby contributed 10 points, and Marta Suarez had 9 points and 5 rebounds.
Team Roster and Stylistic Overview
The current South Carolina team includes new additions such as Madina Okot, a 6-foot-6 sophomore transfer, and Ta’Niya Latson, who was the country's leading scorer last season. The backcourt, featuring Agot Makeer, Ta’Niya Latson, senior Raven Johnson, and junior Tessa Johnson, has played an instrumental role in the team's offense, particularly amidst frontcourt injuries.
This season, South Carolina has been a top-five three-point shooting team. The team has become longer and more athletic, especially on the perimeter, with less emphasis on high-low action offensively and new players stepping into prominent roles.
Final Four Matchup: South Carolina vs. UConn
South Carolina will face UConn in the Final Four in Phoenix on Friday. This contest is a rematch of last season's national championship game, which UConn won 82-59.
Both teams have undergone significant roster changes since their previous championship matchup. For South Carolina, Raven Johnson is the only returning starter, with former seniors Te-Hina Paopao, Sania Feagin, and Bree Hall now in the WNBA. Chloe Kitts is out for the season due to injury. UConn has also experienced player turnover, with Paige Bueckers and Keitlyn Chen transitioning to the WNBA, and Sarah Strong emerging as a key player, winning major player of the year awards.
South Carolina's Raven Johnson stated that the team's objective is to reach the national championship, viewing UConn as an opponent in their path.
UConn's Azzi Fudd, last year's Most Outstanding Player, acknowledged that while previous Final Four experience is beneficial, both teams have new rosters. UConn Coach Geno Auriemma commented that past wins against South Carolina are not relevant for the upcoming game, noting that South Carolina has added key pieces and is a "much better team" this year, presenting significant defensive challenges due to their improved shooting and size. South Carolina Coach Dawn Staley, along with the coaching staff, is focused on keeping the team prepared for the moment. Stylistically, UConn's offense now features less four- and five-out play.