South Carolina shocks UCONN and advances to the National Championship 62-48

The Final Four finally made it's way as South Carolina had a National Title rematch date with UCONN. Throughout the week, coach Dawn Staley stated that the Gamecocks needed to be close to perfection if they had a shot to win the game. This was the sixth consecutive year that the Gamecocks made their way to the final four.

The storyline within the context of this game was how South Carolina would be able to handle the fort against Sarah Strong and Azzi Fudd. From a fan's perspective, a lot of people felt Joyce Edwards was going to be the key factor with making UCONN uncomfortable and getting them out their confront zone.

The first half was a test for South Carolina. They took some hits from Strong as she helped UCONN build a seven-point lead early on. You could see the South Carolina having a bit of an anxiety attack, because they were rushing their offense instead of swinging the ball around and playing Gamecocks' ball. Raven Johnson and Tessa Thompson were the spark plug that jumped started South Carolina.

South Carolina took the lead in the second quarter, but a few turnovers helped UCONN go on a 9-4 run and retook the lead. Outside of the turnovers, Johnson had to sit on the bench for a while because she had gotten her second foul, while going after a loss ball. Heading into the locker room, SC was down by two, 26-24.

I guess Coach Staley talked to her team in a "passionate" manner, because they came out on a heater. They went on a 12-2 run and forced UCONN to take a time out. Johnson was everywhere within that run. She had three steals, four points, and was the boost that South Carolina needed within their confidence. South Carolina was up 10 late n the third, but UCON went o a 8-0 to close the deficit to six to finish the third.

If you are a fan of basketball, you were o the edge of your seat. Both teams were battling on the floor for rebounds and shot selections. Let's take it to three minutes left in regulation. Edwards hit some crucial shots to push the lead to eight. UCONN tried to hit some shots but failed late. South Carolina went on to win to advance to the National championship