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Gamecocks Women’s Basketball Advances to First Ever National Championship Game

By Blake Krass

Mar 31, 2017; Dallas, TX, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks forward A'ja Wilson (22) and forward Mikiah Herbert Harrigan (21) celebrate with teammates after defeating the Stanford Cardinal in the semifinals of the women's Final Four at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 31, 2017; Dallas, TX, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks forward A'ja Wilson (22) and forward Mikiah Herbert Harrigan (21) celebrate with teammates after defeating the Stanford Cardinal in the semifinals of the women's Final Four at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports /
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Gamecocks women’s basketball defeat Stanford 62-53 to advance to the National Championship game for a shot at their first ever title.

After a slow start, the Lady Gamecocks outlasted Stanford, led by SEC Player of the Year A’ja Wilson. The Gamecocks star had 13 points and 19 rebounds in the victory. However, the most surprising performance was from Allisha Gray who finished with a team high 18 points. Gray had to move out of position to power forward when Alaina Coates got injured. Gray is undersized for the power forward position, but tonight she played as big as anybody on the court.

Last night Allisha Gray had to get six stitches and then tonight she came out and dominated this game, demonstrating this team’s toughness. After a slow first half, the big difference was when the Gamecocks switched to a zone and locked Stanford down. Dawn Staley once again proved why she is one of the best basketball coaches in the country. She has built this program from the ground up and now has a chance to bring a title home to Columbia.

Despite being a one seed, many people did not expect the Gamecocks to make it this far after Alaina Coates went down for the year in the SEC tournament. However, the Lady Gamecocks have the same magic the men’s team has had this March. Despite being down nine at the half, the Lady ‘Cocks did not lose their composure. They came out with a plan in the second half and executed it while also outworking their opponent.

The Lady ‘Cocks will take on the winner of the Mississippi State-UCONN game Sunday night. Mississippi State is playing in their first ever Final Four, while UCONN is trying to defend their national title. The Gamecocks have played both teams already this season. They defeated Mississippi State in SEC play, but fell to UCONN (just like UCONN’s other last 110 opponents).

The Gamecocks would relish the chance to defeat UCONN and end their historic win streak.

The National Championship will air Sunday night at 6 P.M. EST on ESPN. Hopefully the men’s team will join them in the final game of the season.

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