In a thrilling showdown at Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Alabama, the South Carolina Gamecocks edged out the Duke Blue Devils 54-50 in the Elite Eight of the 2025 NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament on March 30, 2025. This victory marks South Carolina's fifth consecutive trip to the Final Four, as they continue their quest for a third national championship in five years.
The game was a nail-biter from the start, with South Carolina jumping out to an early lead, fueled by a 9-0 run that set the tone for the first quarter. By the end of the first period, the Gamecocks held a 16-10 advantage, demonstrating their offensive prowess with a shooting percentage of 55% (5-of-9) compared to Duke's dismal 25% (4-of-16).
Despite the early setback, Duke battled back, closing the gap significantly. The Blue Devils entered halftime trailing 26-22 after an impressive 8-1 run that saw them hold South Carolina without a field goal for the last six minutes of the second quarter. Duke's ability to disrupt South Carolina's rhythm showcased their defensive tenacity, even as they struggled offensively, shooting 25.8% (8-of-31) from the field by halftime.
The third quarter saw a shift in momentum as Duke capitalized on South Carolina's mistakes. The Blue Devils outscored the Gamecocks 20-12 in the period, taking a 42-38 lead into the final quarter. Toby Fournier, who led Duke with a game-high 18 points, was instrumental in this turnaround, scoring 12 of her points in the first half and providing crucial rebounds.
As the fourth quarter unfolded, South Carolina found themselves in a tight spot. However, they opened the quarter with an explosive 8-0 run, reclaiming the lead with 6:43 left in the game. Chloe Kitts, who finished with 14 points, played a pivotal role in this stretch, scoring eight points in the fourth quarter alone.
With the game hanging in the balance, Duke had a chance to tie or take the lead in the dying moments. Down by just two points, Ashlon Jackson attempted a three-pointer but air-balled the shot, sealing Duke's fate as Bree Hall secured the rebound for South Carolina. The Gamecocks' defense, which has been a hallmark of their success, held Duke to just 25% shooting in the fourth quarter (4-of-16) and forced a total of 19 turnovers throughout the game.
Coach Kara Lawson of Duke acknowledged the team's effort but lamented their offensive struggles, stating, “I thought our team played hard. We defended at a high level, at a level well enough to advance. Our offense was not at a level high enough to advance and certainly late it wasn’t. That I think was the difference in the game.”
In contrast, South Carolina's coach, Dawn Staley, celebrated the achievement of advancing to the Final Four once again. Staley, who has built a powerhouse program, expressed her pride in the team's resilience and ability to perform under pressure.
The Gamecocks will now head to Tampa, Florida, where they will face the winner of the Elite Eight matchup between No. 1 Texas and No. 2 TCU. This upcoming game promises to be another challenging test for South Carolina, as they look to continue their championship run. They previously defeated TCU 85-52 in nonconference play and have faced Texas three times this season, winning two of those encounters.
As the excitement builds for the Final Four, fans are already buzzing about potential matchups. South Carolina's journey has captivated audiences, and their determination to claim a third championship title is palpable. The atmosphere in Tampa is sure to be electric as they take the court once more.
In the aftermath of the game, the camaraderie between Staley and her young fans was on full display. After the game, she took time to sign autographs, even going so far as to sign a baby's onesie, a gesture that resonated with many in attendance. “That was a first,” Staley remarked, her hand shaking as she signed the fabric. It’s moments like these that highlight the impact of sports beyond the court.
As South Carolina prepares for the next step in their championship journey, they will need to address their rebounding issues, having been out-rebounded 41-30 by Duke. The Gamecocks, known for their rebounding prowess, will need to tighten up their performance as they face more formidable opponents in the Final Four.
With the stakes higher than ever, all eyes will be on South Carolina as they strive to add another chapter to their storied legacy. The Gamecocks are not just playing for a title; they are playing for the pride of their program and the hope of their dedicated fanbase.
As the clock ticks down to their next game, South Carolina stands on the brink of history, ready to make their mark once again in the world of women's basketball.
