Greenville, S.C. – South Carolina women’s basketball coach Dawn Staley faced a crucial moment in a game against Tennessee when she decided to change the course of the game. With their star player Te-Hina Paopao tightly defended, Staley turned to Kamilla Cardoso, urging her to take a shot – a risky move for the forward who had attempted just one three-pointer in her entire career.
In a thrilling turn of events, Cardoso heeded her coach’s call and made a buzzer-beater three-pointer to save South Carolina’s undefeated season. The Gamecocks, with a perfect 31-0 record, pulled off a dramatic 74-73 victory over the Lady Vols in the Southeastern Conference Tournament semifinals, sending the large South Carolina crowd into a frenzy.
Cardoso, who delivered in a moment of pressure, expressed gratitude for her teammates’ faith in her abilities. Playing in front of her mother and sister who traveled from Brazil to watch her play, Cardoso’s game-winning shot was a defining moment in a season full of successes for the Gamecocks.
The win propelled South Carolina to their ninth tournament final in the past 10 seasons, setting the stage for an intense showdown for the championship against either No. 8 LSU or Ole Miss. Despite facing a formidable opponent in Tennessee, South Carolina’s resilience and determination shone through in the face of adversity.
Tennessee, on the other hand, experienced heartbreak with their loss to South Carolina, failing to secure a victory in their hard-fought battles throughout the season. The Lady Vols now have to regroup and recover from this disappointment as they look ahead to future competitions.
The Gamecocks’ ability to overcome a massive challenge like the one presented by Tennessee showcased their championship potential. Staley credited the influence of Aliyah Boston’s mother, Cleone, for instilling positivity and faith-based messages that have contributed to the team’s mental resilience and perseverance in tough moments.
With the thrilling victory against Tennessee, South Carolina proved their mettle as they march towards their championship goals. The game not only highlighted Cardoso’s heroics but also underscored the depth of talent and determination within the Gamecocks’ roster, setting the stage for an exciting finals matchup.