South Carolina women's basketball dominates in the paint to advance to championship game

South Carolina women's basketball dominates NC State, secures spot in National Championship with strong play in paint and rebounding.

The South Carolina women's basketball team secured a spot in the National Championship after defeating NC State 78-59 in a dominant performance. Led by their prowess in the paint, the Gamecocks outrebounded NC State 46 to 32 and recorded six blocks compared to the Wolf Pack's one.

Te-Hina Paopao emphasized the team's focus on boxing out and rebounding, particularly against NC State's guards known for their rebounding prowess. Ashlyn Watkins made a significant impact off the bench, grabbing an impressive 20 rebounds, with 15 on the defensive end, stifling NC State's offense.

Watkins' stellar performance, including two blocks and eight points, earned praise from coach Dawn Staley, who hailed her as the X-factor for the Gamecocks. Her teammates, Sania Feagin and Kamilla Cardoso, rallied around her, assisting in maintaining possession and maximizing her rebounding numbers.

Cardoso, who scored a team-high 22 points under the rim, showcased her dominance in the paint, forcing NC State to switch to zone coverage. This adjustment, however, led to South Carolina's guards stepping up and hitting crucial three-pointers to counteract the defensive strategy.

Staley commended the team's execution and focus on key areas such as scoring, rebounding, and defensive intensity. The Gamecocks' collective effort and strategic adjustments ultimately proved too much for NC State to handle, propelling South Carolina to the National Championship with a resounding victory.

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