In what was nothing short of an exhilarating showdown, the Elite 8 matchup between Duke and South Carolina delivered everything fans expected from two of the nation’s top programs. The stakes were high, with both teams battling for a coveted spot in the Final Four, and the game didn’t disappoint. South Carolina, led by head coach Dawn Staley, came out on top, securing a hard-fought victory and continuing their journey toward a national championship.

 

 

 

This clash of titans was a display of elite talent, strategic coaching, and gritty determination, with South Carolina ultimately overcoming a fierce challenge from Duke to advance to the next round. Here’s a recap of what went down in this thrilling contest.

 

 

The Game: A Back-and-Forth Battle

From the very start, both teams came out firing on all cylinders. Duke, known for its tough defense and sharp shooting, wasted no time in asserting itself. The Blue Devils pressed the Gamecocks on both ends of the floor, forcing turnovers and challenging South Carolina’s offensive sets. However, South Carolina wasn’t rattled by Duke’s early pressure. The Gamecocks matched Duke’s intensity, executing crisp ball movement and hitting key shots to stay within striking distance.

 

 

 

The first half saw numerous lead changes, with both teams exchanging blows. Duke’s offense, spearheaded by Celeste Taylor and Elizabeth Balogun, was sharp, and their perimeter shooting proved to be a challenge for South Carolina’s defense. Meanwhile, South Carolina’s Hailey Van Lith, Aliyah Boston, and Bree Hall kept the Gamecocks afloat. Boston’s rebounding dominance in the paint and Van Lith’s scoring in transition were pivotal in keeping the game tight.

 

By halftime, the teams were deadlocked, with both squads showing a few signs of fatigue but refusing to back down. The score was 38-38, setting the stage for a thrilling second half.

 

 

 

Second Half: South Carolina’s Poise Prevails

As the second half unfolded, it became clear that the game would come down to which team could execute under pressure and rise to the occasion. South Carolina’s defensive pressure in the second half was key, as they forced Duke into difficult shots and capitalized on turnovers. While Duke continued to fight hard, South Carolina’s depth and versatility started to wear down the Blue Devils.

 

 

A major turning point came in the fourth quarter, when Aliyah Boston dominated the paint, securing crucial offensive rebounds and finishing strong around the rim. Her 12 rebounds and 8 points in the second half were critical in controlling the tempo of the game. Meanwhile, Hailey Van Lith, who had been quiet for stretches in the first half, found her rhythm and began knocking down big shots, including a couple of clutch three-pointers to extend South Carolina’s lead.

 

 

 

 

South Carolina’s defense, led by Sania Feagin and Chloe Kitts, was suffocating, as they kept Duke from establishing any offensive flow. Feagin, in particular, came up with several big stops and crucial rebounds, finishing the game with 10 points and 7 boards. Her defensive presence was a difference-maker, limiting Duke’s star players and making it tough for the Blue Devils to execute in the half-court.

 

 

The Final Minutes: A Battle of Nerves

As the game entered its final minutes, the tension was palpable. Duke wasn’t ready to go down without a fight. Taylor hit a huge jumper to cut the lead to just two points, and the Blue Devils’ defense turned up the pressure, forcing South Carolina into some tough shots. However, South Carolina stayed composed, and it was Bree Hall who sealed the victory with some clutch free throws in the final moments. Hall, who had 15 points on the night, was calm under pressure and demonstrated why she’s one of the most reliable players in the clutch.

 

 

 

 

Despite Celeste Taylor’s best efforts, who finished with 18 points and 5 assists, Duke couldn’t capitalize on the final opportunities, as South Carolina’s defense locked them down in the final possessions. A missed three-pointer by Elizabeth Balogun with just seconds left effectively ended Duke’s chances, and the Gamecocks secured the win.

 

 

Final Score: South Carolina 76, Duke 70

Key Players of the Game

Hailey Van Lith (South Carolina): 22 points, 4 assists, 5 rebounds
Van Lith’s performance in the second half was instrumental to South Carolina’s win. Her ability to score in multiple ways, especially in crunch time, made her the difference-maker for the Gamecocks.

 

 

 

 

Aliyah Boston (South Carolina): 14 points, 12 rebounds, 2 blocks
Boston was an absolute force on the boards and in the paint, controlling both ends of the floor. Her leadership and physicality were crucial in South Carolina’s win.

 

Celeste Taylor (Duke): 18 points, 5 assists
Taylor was the heart of Duke’s offense, hitting tough shots and making plays. She kept the Blue Devils within striking distance all game long.

Bree Hall (South Carolina): 15 points, 4 rebounds
Hall played with poise down the stretch, knocking down crucial free throws and making key defensive plays.

 

 

 

 

Postgame Reactions

After the game, Coach Dawn Staley expressed her pride in her team’s performance. “This was a gritty win,” Staley said. “We knew Duke was going to come at us with everything they had, and I’m proud of the way we responded. We still have things to clean up, but I couldn’t ask for more effort and heart from these young women.”

 

 

Van Lith, who was named Player of the Game, commented on her teammates’ resilience. “We had to keep trusting each other,” she said. “It wasn’t pretty at times, but we stayed together and executed when it mattered. This is a big step for us, but we’ve got bigger goals ahead.”

 

 

Duke’s head coach expressed admiration for South Carolina’s depth and composure. “They’ve got some special players over there. I’m proud of the way our team competed, but at this stage of the tournament, you’ve got to execute, and we just fell short.”

 

 

What’s Next for South Carolina?

With the win, South Carolina advances to the Final Four for the third consecutive year and will now prepare for their next opponent. The Gamecocks will face another tough challenge, but with the experience, leadership, and talent they possess, they are a dangerous team that will be tough to beat.

 

 

 

 

 

As for Duke, their season may have ended here, but their resilience and ability to compete at the highest level bodes well for the future. The Blue Devils gave South Carolina all they could handle, and with a young core, they’ll certainly be a team to watch in the years to come.

 

 

Conclusion: A Step Closer to Glory

South Carolina’s victory over Duke was a testament to their mental toughness and championship pedigree. With key performances from Van Lith, Boston, and Feagin, the Gamecocks showed why they are one of the top teams in the country. They may have advanced to the Final Four, but with their eyes firmly set on the ultimate prize—the National Championship—they know the road ahead won’t be easy.

 

 

 

 

But if this game is any indication, South Carolina is more than ready for the challenge.