South Carolina is set to clash with TCU in the Sacramento Regional Final, with the winner earning a coveted spot in the women”s national semifinals. The matchup, taking place on Monday night, marks a significant moment for both teams, as South Carolina looks to continue its legacy while TCU aims for its first appearance on such a grand stage.
Under the leadership of coach Dawn Staley, the Gamecocks have established themselves as a dominant force, reaching the Final Four in six of the last eight seasons and securing three national championships during that time. Staley has guided the program through its successful journey, including an undefeated season thus far in 2023-24.
On the other hand, TCU, with a revamped roster led by Olivia Miles and Marta Suarez, is looking to build on its recent success, having advanced to the Elite Eight for the second consecutive year. Coach Mark Campbell has strategically assembled his team primarily through the transfer portal, acquiring six new players this season, including Miles, who opted to complete her college career with the Horned Frogs after transferring from Notre Dame.
“We”ve built our program literally all through the portal,” Campbell stated. “I think we”ve had 18 portal players, six each year. Our program”s come a long way. There”s a lot of negative you hear about the portal, but I think there”s a lot of positive too.”
Despite having a mostly inexperienced roster in the Elite Eight, Campbell believes that the lessons learned from last year”s loss to Texas have prepared his team for this challenge. “I”m much more prepared in leading our team and understanding and navigating the next 48 hours,” he said after a Sweet 16 victory over Virginia. “The margin for error in the Elite Eight is slim, and the teams you face are incredible. We”ve done a better job as a staff getting ahead of that scout and formulating a game plan.”
To succeed, South Carolina will need to find a way to contain the dynamic duo of Miles and Suarez, who were instrumental in TCU”s win over Virginia, contributing to all 79 points scored in that game. “In order to beat South Carolina, we”ve got to play the best game we”ve played this season,” Campbell emphasized. “We”re capable of doing it.”
Senior All-America guard Miles has been exceptional throughout the NCAA tournament, averaging 19.3 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists over three games. Staley noted, “They play at a slower pace and control the tempo. Somehow we need to speed that up, whether it”s through pressure or other means. We”re up for the challenge.”
Meanwhile, South Carolina has elevated its performance in the tournament, averaging nearly 100 points per game across its three victories and winning by an average margin of 45 points. Their offensive strategy has varied, showing a strong three-point game as evidenced by their 10 of 14 shooting from beyond the arc in a recent win against Oklahoma, alongside solid contributions from their post players in earlier contests.
