The post South Carolina Gamecocks are the 2024 Women's National Champions appeared first on www.ebooksnet.com.
]]>
In a historic outing, the South Carolina Gamecocks defeated the Iowa Hawkeyes 87-75 to capture the NCAA Women's Championship. South Carolina dominated in every way, from bench points to rebounds and defense. Iowa simply could not match their prolific three-pointer shooting and size.
One year ago, Caitlin Clark and the Iowa Hawkeyes knocked off South Carolina, ruining their perfect season in the Final Four. This time around, the Gamecocks were crowned champions, finishing a perfect 38-0 to finish out the season. Led by head coach Dawn Staley, the Gamecocks cruised into the history books on Sunday. For Gamecocks sophomore guard Raven Johnson, she got the last laugh.
Defeating Iowa 87-75, the Gamecocks are just the 10th team in Women's NCAA history to finish with a perfect season. As for Dawn Staley, she's built a dynasty in her tenure as head coach of South Carolina. Since taking over for Susan Walvius in 2008-2009, she's led the Gamecocks to three national championships. What's even more impressive is the fact she's captivated three trophies over the last seven seasons. Over the last decade, she's coached 10 WNBA first-round picks, soon to be 11.
Heading into the biggest game of the year, Staley was in attendance for the UConn vs. Iowa game. She had the perfect plan all along on how to perfectly utilize every single player on her roster. She figured out a way to stop the most prolific scorer in NCAA history, Caitlin Clark, which speaks volumes in itself. In a highly anticipated matchup, Staley brilliantly mapped out her masterful scheme to attack the Hawkeyes on the boards and utilize depth and size to crush them.
Although the 2022-2023 squad finished with a 36-1 record, it was a tough task to fill those shoes in the offseason.
Dawn Staley and the Gamecocks made history
Not only did South Carolina finish their first undefeated season in program history, but Staley is the first black Division 1 basketball coach, men's or women's, to lead her team to a perfect season. In doing so, Staley fully reconstructed her roster after losing all five of her starters--Aliyah Boston, Zia Cooke,?Laeticia Amihere,?and?Victaria Saxton to the 2023 WNBA Draft.
Johnson was the subject of several memes and viral highlights after she was disrespected in their last matchup. In last year's Final Four, Clark waved off Johnson, leaving her wide open at the three-point line. While Johnson had the opportunity to shoot the trey ball, she passed up the rock. After that matchup, Johnson confessed to watching the film over 100 times.
One year removed from the March Madness tournament, Johnson found herself as the primary lockdown defender on Caitlin Clark, Although Johnson struggled on the offensive end, she was tasked with guarding the Iowa sensation. Clark shot just 5-21 from the field when defended by Johnson. After she finished with 18 first-half points, coach Staley called for a change. She switched out Bree Hall on Clark, for Johnson. A menace on the defensive front, Johnson finished with four steals and two blocks. She understood her assignment, which was arguably the hardest task of anyone on the team.
Before the game, Johnson had a simple game plan in mind, "don't let her [Clark] score." She took the loss personally last year and had some words about her defensive approach:
"I was ready for the moment and take defense very hard, said Raven Johnson. "I studied her moves[ Caitlin Clark], and I was ready--I had confidence this year, and I was telling myself last year wasn't going to happen again."
Caitlin Clark was smothered by Raven Johnson
In the end, Clark couldn't lead her team to a National Championship, finishing with 30 points, eight rebounds, and five assists, on 10-28 shooting from the floor. Falling to win a championship for the second consecutive year, let's not take away from coach Lisa Bluder and the exceptional work she's put into the Iowa program. While Clark headlined the entire season, it was the story of her teammates, and her friends, that made the Iowa program so great. Sophomore Hannah Stuelke who's a rising star, had 11 points, three rebounds, two assists, and two blocks in the championship game.
With South Carolina chosen as heavy favorites entering the championship game, it was Iowa that held a 27-20 first-quarter lead. After an early 10-0 run, starting with a Kate Martin trey ball, the Hawkeyes looked untouchable and unbeatable. It wasn't until Te-Hina Paopao's three-point jumper that sent South Carolina in front with 27 seconds left in the second quarter. After commanding a 49-47 first-half lead, the Gamecocks never looked back. Paopao, who transferred to South Carolina for this very moment, finished with 14 points, on 75 percent three-point shooting. She announced her return to Columbia for next season.
Kamilla Cardoso had a career night on the boards
With defensive player of the year Kamilla Cardoso the anchor for South Carolina, it was the bench that grabbed the spotlight. Having one of the deepest rosters in the nation, the bench added 37 points for Staley and the Gamecocks. While the scoring was evenly distributed throughout the 10-player roster, it was the freshman who shined through.
Minnesota native Tessa Johnson was recruited by Staley to produce off the bench in her first season. A 6'1 guard, Johnson had a season average of 6.6 points, 1.7 rebounds, and 1.1 assists. In 35 games played, she earned the starting nod just two times for Staley and the Gamecocks. Although her minutes and scoring remained inconsistent for a great part of the season, Johnson has been a staple for the Staleys stay-ready group off the bench.
However, it's clear the freshman guard was recruited for a reason, and eventually earned coach Staley's trust. As the NCAA tournament progressed, so did her contributions to the team. After a season-high 30 minutes played against Presbyterian in the first round, the former McDonalds All-American continued to show why she's such a valuable asset to this squad. She finished with a combined 26 points against UNC in the Sweet 16, and Oregon State, in the Elite Eight. The trust was there for Johnson to earn 25 minutes of playing time against Iowa, and she shined in the biggest stage.
South Carolina's freshmen stole the show
And what a career night it was for Tessa Johnson. In front of the entire nation, and 18.9 million viewers, the freshman put up a career-high 19 points on 7-11 (63.6 percent) from the floor, and 3-6 (50 percent) from beyond the arc. Let's call it the "Tessa Johnson effect." In transition, or inside, Johnson was a bucket.
For Dawn Staley, her rotations were set for this matchup. While Iowa's bench didn't produce a single point, the Gamecocks capitalized on that. For freshman MiLaysia Fulwiley, she proved why she's the next generational talent. At 5'10, she possesses the quickness, speed, and finesse that no other athlete has proven in the game. In 18 minutes, she added nine points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, and one block.
Overall, all of Staley's players had a crucial role in the Championship game. Running double bigs with Cardoso and Chloe Kitts was brilliant, as Iowa was a bit undersized. Ashlyn Watkins, Sania Feagin--everyone had a piece of the pie. It was the overall collaborative effort that impressed me the most. While it's normal for coaches to shorten their rotations during championship moments, Staley put the nation on full display who in fact plays for her.
As for Kamilla Cardoso, she certainly increased her draft stock on Sunday. Declaring for the 2024 WNBA Draft as a senior, center shined, even while battling an injury. It was in the Final Four matchup, where she injured her knee against NC State. Although she received treatment, Cardoso made sure the injury didn't stop her from competing in the biggest moment.
South Carolina Gamecocks were too powerful in depth and size
The bottom line, the Iowa Hawkeyes weren't able to match South Carolina's size, especially with Cardoso listed as 6'7. Cardoso has been a problem the entire season for opponents and showed exactly why in the title game. Although Staley managed her minutes to perfection, Cardoso finished with 15 points and a career-high 17 rebounds. While 10 of those came on the defensive end, seven helped the Gamecocks control the offensive boards and second-chance opportunities. South Carolina ultimately obliterated Iowa on the boards, 51-29.
Cardoso, named Most Outstanding Player, put it all on the floor in her last collegiate game. Adding three blocks and two assists, the Brazil native was simply getting it done on both ends of the floor. When Iowa continued to drive inside, Cardoso was there to lock it up. With several and one opportunities, not even Iowa standout Hannah Stuelke could stop her. Outscoring Iowa 48-32 in the paint, Chloe Kitts poured in a double-double as well, with 11 points, and 10 rebounds.
Sunday was the ultimate matchup between the most outstanding offensive in the nation (Iowa) vs. the top defense (South Carolina).
After the game, the tears were flowing for coach Staley. In a post-game interview with Holly Rowe, Staley stated "We serve an unbelievable god," before breaking down in tears. With all of the hard work she's put into the program, it's always been her relationship with her faith and God that's made all things possible this season.
Hats off to both teams. No matter what the outcome, the growth of both teams has shaped the future of women's basketball for years to come.
Stay tuned for more?NCAA and WNBA-related?articles.?Click here
Sara Jane Gamelli is a full-time Sportswriter, Content Creator and Social Media Manager for Ballislife Bets.?She has a focus on the NBA, WNBA, NCAA Basketball, and the NFL. Sara Jane currently resides in Connecticut/NYC area with her Cat and Dog. SJ has her undergraduate degree from the?University?of Connecticut in Economics, with a minor in business administration.
Tweets by ballislifewbb_The post South Carolina Gamecocks are the 2024 Women's National Champions appeared first on www.ebooksnet.com.
]]>The post Paige Bueckers remarkable journey back to the hardwood appeared first on www.ebooksnet.com.
]]>UConn star Paige Bueckers is thriving more than ever, this time leading the Huskies to the NCAA Women's Sweet 16.
"We have the best player in America."
Those were confident words from Geno Auriemma on Monday night. And whom might he be referring to? Paige Bueckers, no. 5 for the Connecticut Huskies.
When it comes to sports, the stories behind the athletes on the court are often moving and emotional. For Paige Bueckers, she's been nothing short of inspiring. While women's basketball is filled to the brim with incredible storylines, we simply cannot forget UConn's brightest star and her journey back to the hardwood.
Talk about Paige Bueckers resilience and passion for basketball. This is her comeback narrative, driven by her faith and determination to return to the game. It's oftentimes not about the setback, but about the comeback.
Paige "Buckets" is back, and so are the UConn Huskies.
Bueckers, now technically in her third season with the Connecticut Huskies, is undoubtedly one of the most prevalent players in the nation. While she's an elite scorer and tenacious defender, the Minnesota native's been plagued by unlucky injuries. The former McDonald's All-American suffered a tibial plateau fracture in late December 2021 in which surgery was performed. Along with the fracture, Bueckers suffered a meniscus tear.
While many expected No. 5 to miss the bulk of the season, she made a miraculous, yet limited comeback in Feb. of 2022. Despite being restricted on the court, Bueckers fueled the Huskies through the 2022 NCAA Tournament. A team that once fell out of the AP top ten was destined to face the South Carolina Gamecocks in the 2022 NCAA Championship game.
Although South Carolina barreled through UConn 64-49 for the championship title, it was the story of no. 5 and her persistence to return to the court. While the outcome didn't sway in the Huskies favor, Bueckers was the only player on the UConn roster to put up points in double figures.
How many players can claim they led their team to the championship game despite not being fully healthy? This is what sets Bueckers apart and makes her exceptional among the pack.
Paige Bueckers missed the entire 2022-2023 season
Unfortunately, that was the last time Bueckers would hit the floor for quite some time. Heading into her junior season, the guard suffered a torn ACL in the off-season. Having missed all of the 2022-2023 season, the Minnesota native spent the majority of the season cheering on her teammates from the sidelines.
Paige Bueckers' IG post about her torn ACL:
— www.ebooksnet.com (@Ballislife) August 3, 2022
"It's gonna be one hell of a comeback...I’ve worked too hard for the little kid in these pictures to keep going for the dreams I've had since I first picked up the ball, so why would I stop now?" pic.twitter.com/f7lsyYQCiN
Despite missing Bueckers from the lineup, the Huskies managed to make the 2023 NCAA Tournament. However, for no. 5 it was a punch to the gut, especially since she wasn't available to play. After conceding to Ohio State 73-61 in the Sweet 16, the Huskies were once again eliminated from the tournament.
But for Bueckers, she was exceptionally emotional after their 77-58 victory over Baylor in the second round. Although UConn pulled off the victory, it pained her to watch from the sidelines. Bueckers wanted more than anything to contribute on the floor with her teammates. Not only does she love the game of basketball, but she bleeds blue. Her loyalty to UConn and coach Auriemma is unwavering.
"Last year against Baylor in the second round at home, I just remember going back in my car and just being very emotional," Bueckers told ESPN. "Not being able to play in this atmosphere, in this environment, and this high stakes game. I prayed about it."
While the journey back to the court hasn't been an easy task, Bueckers heavily leaned on her faith during hard times. Over a year of rehabbing her injury, the guard made her season debut against Dayton in late 2023.
Not only did no. 5 overcome such a tragic injury, but she elevated her game in a way that's turned heads across the basketball world. Despite the Huskies facing multiple injuries, including Azzi Fudd, it was Bueckers' moment to stand out.
And surely, she did so. Bueckers, who was recently named AP All-American, averaged a career-high 21 points per game, 5.1 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 2.2 steals, and 1.4 blocks. In 36 total games, the UConn star shot an efficient 54 percent from the floor, and 41.8 percent from deep. The UConn star was recently named Naismith Player of the Year finalist.
It's been nearly two years since Bueckers appeared in a March Madness game
And 720 days later, Bueckers would take part in her first March Madness game since the South Carolina matchup. This comes after Bueckers sensation performance that led UConn to their fourth straight Big East Championship. In the blowout over Georgetown, the guard put up 27 points, four rebounds, three assists, three steals, and five blocks.
In the Huskies first-round matchup against Jackson State, the guard finished with 28 points, 11 rebounds, seven assists, three steals, and one block. From there, UConn faced off against Syracuse in the round of 32. In front of an electric crowd at Gampel Pavilion, Bueckers was surely a bucket. Stepping up when it mattered the most, she matched a season-high 32 points, 10 rebounds, six assists, four steals, and one block.
Paige Buckets last 2 games
— www.ebooksnet.com (@Ballislife) March 26, 2024
32 PTS, 11 REB, 6 AST, 4 STL (56% FG)
28 PTS, 11 REB, 7 AST, 3 STL (58% FG)pic.twitter.com/sXDxzpENsV
While Syracuse cut the deficit to two points, Bueckers knew the moment was all hers. With 1:30 remaining in the fourth quarter, without hesitation, no. 5 sunk a contested mid-range jumper. At this moment, her shot put the Huskies in the lead, 67-63. From there, Bueckers was seen firing up the crowd at Gampel.
Not only did she lead the Huskies to their 30th straight Sweet 16, but it was also a sure sign of a dominant comeback. Paige Bueckers, a five-star recruit in 2020 was officially back. It was visible in her eyes, her body language, and in her tone. It's incredible moving to see the return of a player who was heavily plagued by injuries.
Bueckers has been lights out in this year's tournament
Following her first two matchups of the tournament, Buecker's energy is unmatched. With 60 points in the first two games, Bueckers is now the first player in nearly 25 years to put up a cumulative 60 points, 20 rebounds, and 10 assists. While she announced her return to UConn next season, she's laid everything out on the court for the Huskies. Amid questions if she could return to her freshman form, she never lost sight of her dreams and goals. For sure, optimism has gone a long way for Paige Bueckers, and all of the hard work that's been poured into her craft.
Bueckers had an inspirational journey back, and one that speaks to many. When you come to Storrs, Connecticut, you come to play for coach Auriemma, and you come to win. In the small town of Tolland County, Connecticut, Bueckers and the Connecticut Huskies will aim for their first championship of the 2016 season and nothing more.
Bueckers and company will face the Kara Lawson and the Duke Blue Devils in the Sweet 16. Scheduled for Mar. 30, tip-off will begin at 8:00 p.m. ET.
Stay tuned for more NCAA and WNBA related articles.
Sara Jane Gamelli is a full-time Sportswriter, Content Creator and Social Media Manager for Ballislife Bets. She has a focus on the NBA, WNBA, NCAA Basketball, and the NFL. Sara Jane currently resides in the Connecticut/NYC area with her Cat and Dog. SJ has her undergraduate degree from the University of Connecticut in Economics, with a minor in business administration.
The post Paige Bueckers remarkable journey back to the hardwood appeared first on www.ebooksnet.com.
]]>The post UConn Huskies secure fourth consecutive Big East Tournament Title appeared first on www.ebooksnet.com.
]]>Geno Auriemma and the UConn Huskies Women's basketball team defeat Georgetown 78-42 to earn their fourth straight Big East Tournament title. Riddled with injuries, the Huskies are ready for a NCAA Championship run.
It's not about the setback, it's about the comeback. This may be the year that the Connecticut Huskies women's basketball team shocks the world.
Out of the seven players available for the Big-East championship title, four of them are freshman.
Despite coach Geno Auriemma's playful comment that his team might be a bit "delusional," every player on the team has faith in their abilities, even amidst the challenges they've faced this year. After watching Saint Peter's make headlines in 2022, it's hard to count any team out, especially Connecticut.
The UConn Huskies are largely considered one of the most prolific programs in all of NCAA women's basketball, leading the way with 11 national championships. Led under coac h Auriemma, UConn hasn't won a title since 2016, and are two years removed from the championship finals loss against South Carolina. We can never forget how Paige Bueckers single handedly carried her team to the finals.
PAIGE BUECKERS scored 15 of her 27 PTS in the 2 overtimes to lead UConn to their 14th straight Final Four!
— www.ebooksnet.com (@Ballislife) March 29, 2022
1st Half: 4 PTS (2/6 FG)
2nd Half: 23 PTS (8/9 FG)
VIDEO: @swishcultures_ pic.twitter.com/QkiqXkiKod
While Auriemma is among the most winningest coaches in Division 1 basketball, UConn's story is defined by their resilience and determination to overcome several injuries not only this year, but seasons past.
Prior to the start of the season, UConn was ranked no. 2 in the nation, by the Associated Press. With high hopes and expectations, the injuries piled up, reflecting a recurring unfortunate trend. Specifically the last few seasons, Auriemma and the Huskies have faced unfortunate circumstances beyond their control.
UConn is the definition of resiliency
This group has been all bout resiliency. After a turbulent 4-3 start, UConn suffered losses to NC State, UCLA, and Texas all within the first two weeks. They went on to win their next 25 of 27 matchups, and finished with nine straight victories, including the Big East Championship game. Perhaps, the motto for this year should be "impossible is nothing," by Nike.
Speaking of the Big East, more than 7,000 fans crowded Mohegan Sun Arena to watch Connecticut play against Georgetown for their 22nd Conference championship appearance. With a 25-9 season record, the Huskies faced a Georgetown team that made their first ever appearance in a Big East Conference championship game. Defeating the Bulldogs 78-42, the story mainly revolves around UConn's defensive prowess and discipline.
In all of Division 1 basketball, the Connecticut Huskies rank no 23 in the nation, tied with South Carolina in opponent points allowed per game (56.3).
Limiting Georgetown to just seven fourth quarter points, the Bulldogs finished shooting 11 percent from deep, and 32 percent from the floor. Not only did Connecticut play stellar defense along the perimeter, they crushed them on the boards and inside the paint. Forcing 17 turnovers, the Huskies starters combined for 12 total steals. In the backcourt, Buecker's and KK Arnold combined for seven alone.
Auriemma calls this team "remarkable"
For coach Auriemma, he's been at this a long time, having led the Huskies to 34 years of NCAA tournaments. Fighting back emotions at the end of the matchup, he admitted it's not easy winning in the month of March. While teams such as South Carolina and LSU remain the most dominant and spoke about, UConn's comeback year has been a bit under shadowed by all the excitement across women's hoops.
Doesn't matter who was available and who wasn't.
— UConn Women’s Basketball (@UConnWBB) March 12, 2024
This was a full-team winpic.twitter.com/Uc4GMz14n2
In just a few days, the Huskies had their share of challenges yet again. Despite Aliyah Edward's injury, they had a strong 86-53 win against Providence. Even without Edwards, they managed to defeat Marquette, holding them to just 29 points.
"Obviously, these have been three pretty interesting days," coach Auriemma said about the Big East Tournament. "The energy that it took to finish this off was really pretty remarkable. Couldn't be prouder of them." (UConn Huskies PR).
The Huskies were dealt several injuries this year
The focus has heavily been on Buecker's determination in returning to the hardwood after succumbing to several injuries over the years. With a strong connection to her faith, she returned to the court just 19 games following a meniscus tear, but suffered an ACL tear last season. Bueckers, who's the heart and soul of the Huskies, remained sidelined for the entire 2022-2023 season.
She had her healthiest season yet, ending her third year with a career-high 21.3 points and 1.4 blocks. Buecker excelled on both ends, averaging 4.8 rebounds, 2.1 steals, and 2.7 assists. Through a career-high 34 games, she shot an impressive 53.8% from the field and 42.4% from deep. Buecker's stellar two-way performance continued in the Big-East championship game, where she led with 27 points and five blocks.
Initially, freshman Jana El Alfy was sidelined for the entire 2023-2024 season after an Achilles injury. With Fudd already out, junior Caroline Ducharme played only four games before injury ended her season. Then, in January, guard Aubrey Griffin tore her ACL.
Despite dropping to rank no. 17, UConn rebounded and is now ranked no. 10 heading into the NCAA National Tournament.
How many Championships is she winning at UCONN?
— www.ebooksnet.com (@Ballislife) December 22, 2021pic.twitter.com/qTP0gIW2oL
The steady ready freshman core has stepped up for UConn
Auriemma leaned on senior Edwards and Bueckers, but the focus shifted to freshmen Ashlynn Shade, KK Arnold, and Ice Brady stepping up in the biggest of moments. Despite limited bench depth, UConn's dependable group has been key. With just healthy seven players, the Huskies get yet another shot of a title. And this time, several freshman have the opportunity to shine on the brightest stage, next to Edwards, Bueckers, and Nika Muhl. Let's not forget freshman Qadence Samuels, who put up 9 points and 5 rebounds for the Huskies.
Brady, a California native, stepped up remarkably over the tournament. Only averaging 4.6 points on the year, the forward 23 points combined in the tournament matchups against Georgetown and Marquette. And on a back-to-back, Brady led UConn with 40 minutes played. A part of the stay ready group, she was a force on both sides of the ball, with Edwards unable to suit up.
And for the Auriemma and the Huskies, they just have to remain confident through all of the ups and downs.
The Huskies remain confident regardless what's thrown their way
"Nothing good is going to happen unless you're confident in yourself that you can make it happen, " coach Auriemma told SNY. "It would have been easy to feel sorry for yourself, why us again? Why are we dealing with this again? The resilience is remarkable. They inspire me, a lot of times, to be better for them because of how positive they are."
While Selection Sunday will take place this weekend, the Connecticut Huskies will gear up for the first-round of the NCAA Tournament, which will begin on Mar. 22. With Edwards and Muhl expected to declare for the 2024 WNBA Draft, Bueckers announced her return to UConn for a final and last season. Although Edwards has missed the last two games, she'll return, this time, wearing the mask yet once again.
Stay tuned for more?NCAA and WNBA?related?articles.
Sara Jane Gamelli is a full-time Sportswriter, Content Creator and Social Media Manager for Ballislife Bets.?She has a focus on the NBA, WNBA, NCAA Basketball, and the NFL. Sara Jane currently resides in Connecticut/NYC area with her Cat and Dog. SJ has her undergraduate degree from the?University?of Connecticut in Economics, with a minor in business administration.
Tweets by ballislifewbb_The post UConn Huskies secure fourth consecutive Big East Tournament Title appeared first on www.ebooksnet.com.
]]>