It was a run fueled by grit, chemistry, and an unmistakable South Carolina swagger. The Gamecocks women’s basketball 3-on-3 team entered the USA Basketball 3X Nationals not just as competitors, but as the final remaining college squad in a field stacked with seasoned pros, international stars, and WNBA hopefuls. And while their journey ended in the semifinals, the Gamecocks made a lasting impression that extended far beyond the final score.
From the opening tip-off, South Carolina embraced the fast-paced, physical nature of 3X basketball, a version of the game that strips down the sport to its rawest form: no coaches, no time to huddle, no room for hesitation. Just three players on the court at a time, with a 12-second shot clock and a relentless demand for quick thinking, communication, and hustle.
The Gamecocks delivered.
Anchored by their unique chemistry and battle-tested camaraderie, South Carolina cruised through pool play with a 3-1 record, toppling opponents that featured a mix of former college stars and professional veterans. Their lone loss in the early rounds came in a tight battle, but it didn’t shake their confidence or focus. Instead, it sharpened their edge heading into bracket play.
In the quarterfinals, the Gamecocks showed why they belonged, dispatching a team stacked with experienced pros with timely shot-making, gritty defense, and the kind of trust that only comes from countless hours spent in the trenches together. The team’s pace, spacing, and execution under pressure highlighted what has made South Carolina’s full 5-on-5 program elite under Dawn Staley. The fundamentals translated seamlessly to 3X, and their toughness translated even more.
But the semifinals presented a new kind of challenge—one that even this resilient South Carolina squad couldn’t quite overcome.
Matched up against a roster of professional athletes with extensive international 3X experience, the Gamecocks found themselves in a grind-it-out battle from the opening possession. Buckets were hard to come by. Every screen, every drive, every shot was contested. Physicality reached another level. South Carolina, once again, held their own.
But in a format where one mistake can cost a game, the margin for error is razor thin.
A cold shooting stretch midway through the game proved costly, and while South Carolina battled back with a couple of clutch stops and a long two-pointer to cut the deficit, their comeback fell just short. The final score didn’t define the game so much as it underscored the heart and hustle the Gamecocks brought to every moment on the court.
For the players representing South Carolina, the tournament was more than just an offseason competition. It was a continuation of the standard of excellence that has come to define the Gamecocks program. Competing against some of the nation’s top talent, they showcased what makes college basketball—especially women’s college basketball—so special: team-first mentality, fearless energy, and a hunger to prove themselves on every possession.
Their success at the USA Basketball 3X Nationals wasn’t accidental. It was the result of preparation and buy-in. Unlike many of their opponents, who came together for the tournament with limited practice time or ad hoc rosters, South Carolina’s squad featured players who had played together before and knew one another’s strengths. That familiarity became an advantage in the chaos of 3X, where reading a teammate’s movement or anticipating a cut can be the difference between a clean look and a turnover.
More than anything, the Gamecocks played with a chip on their shoulders. They didn’t just want to participate—they came to win. And for most of the tournament, it looked like they just might do it.
That attitude was on full display throughout the weekend. Whether they were diving for loose balls, hustling back in transition, or celebrating big buckets with joyful energy, South Carolina brought the same competitive fire that’s made them a powerhouse in NCAA play. Even in defeat, they carried themselves like champions.
As the only college team to make it to the semifinals, the Gamecocks left a legacy on this year’s tournament. They weren’t supposed to be the last amateurs standing. On paper, they were outmatched by teams full of older, more experienced players. But the Gamecocks never let that stop them.
They represented not just their university, but the entire college basketball community with pride and fearlessness. In doing so, they helped blur the line between the collegiate and pro levels—at least for one weekend. If this performance is any indication, the future is bright for these players, whether it’s in the WNBA, international leagues, or future USA Basketball competitions.
Their effort and excellence weren’t lost on the crowd, either. By the time the semifinals tipped off, South Carolina had become a fan favorite. Spectators rallied behind their underdog status, cheering every defensive stop and clutch bucket as if they were the hometown team. When the final buzzer sounded and the Gamecocks walked off the court, they did so to a chorus of applause—no