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Fudd had 19 points (all in the first half) and Bueckers 16 against UCLA. The Bruins just couldn’t execute the way they wanted on offense, and that made their defense even more suspect against UConn. If there’s one thing South Carolina has been able to count on all season, it’s defense. Bree Hall, the Gamecocks’ primary defensive stopper on the perimeter, will have a busy afternoon against UConn.
Can South Carolina make the most of its bench strength?
Like their defense, the Gamecocks have had great production from their bench this season. And that could be a big factor if they can get the offensive boost from the bench (35 points) on Sunday that they did Friday. Along with Edwards, guards Tessa Johnson (9) and MiLaysia Fulwiley (7) helped do damage against Texas. — Michael Voepel
In the regular-season matchup, Strong had 16 points and 13 rebounds and Edwards 17 and 5. Neither player is on an island; they will have plenty of help. But a lot of eyes will be on these two stars of the freshman class.
Can South Carolina limit Azzi Fudd and Paige Bueckers?
Fudd had 19 points (all in the first half) and Bueckers 16 against UCLA. The Bruins just couldn’t execute the way they wanted on offense, and that made their defense even more suspect against UConn. If there’s one thing South Carolina has been able to count on all season, it’s defense. Bree Hall, the Gamecocks’ primary defensive stopper on the perimeter, will have a busy afternoon against UConn.
Can South Carolina make the most of its bench strength?
Like their defense, the Gamecocks have had great production from their bench this season. And that could be a big factor if they can get the offensive boost from the bench (35 points) on Sunday that they did Friday. Along with Edwards, guards Tessa Johnson (9) and MiLaysia Fulwiley (7) helped do damage against Texas. — Michael VoepelPlayers reflected on that loss Saturday, but it also served as motivation to learn and correct mistakes so they could fulfill their quest to repeat. South Carolina has not lost since then, and though it needed comeback wins in three NCAA tournament games — including the Sweet 16 and Elite Eight — the Gamecocks showcased their full potential in a 74-57 win over Texas in the semifinals Friday.
“[UConn] was such an embarrassing loss for us, and we knew that we’re going to come back stronger and even better,” guard Te-Hina Paopao said. “We’re a whole different team now, and so we’ve just got to showcase that tomorrow for 40 minutes.”
Indeed, they now have a chance to repeat as champions for the first time in school history. What’s more, Sania Feagin, Raven Johnson and Bree Hall all have an opportunity to win their third national title in four years for the Gamecocks.
“I want the sentiments to be about our players and what our players have been able to do — equally, because there’s room to do both,” Staley said. “We can raise Paige up because she deserves that and raise our players up because they deserve that. And that’s not talked about enough. There’s room for it in our game for all of us to be covered. Let’s not choose a history, one’s history over another program’s history. Let’s not choose one player over another player’s history because we’re all creating history for our game.”
