South Carolina is nearly overtaken by the Duke ladies, but the Gamecocks prevail and advance to the Final Four.

In an intense, heart-pounding matchup that kept fans on the edge of their seats, the South Carolina Gamecocks managed to hold off a determined and aggressive Duke Blue Devils squad, securing their spot in the Final Four of the 2025 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament. The game, filled with dramatic twists, clutch performances, and heart-stopping moments, was an epic display of resilience, strategy, and pure willpower.

The Road to the Final Four

South Carolina entered the game with an impressive season record, showcasing their strength as the defending national champions. The Gamecocks, led by head coach Dawn Staley, had been dominant throughout the tournament, and they carried the weight of high expectations into the Elite Eight. With their star players like Aliyah Boston, a force in the paint, and Zia Cooke, a quick and dynamic scorer, they had the firepower to take down any opponent in their way.

On the other side, Duke, under head coach Kara Lawson, had been a revelation this season. With a balanced mix of veterans and emerging young talent, the Blue Devils were a formidable challenge. Their defense had been impenetrable at times, and they were a team that could shift gears offensively when needed. Led by a core of players such as Celeste Taylor and the rising star, guard Shayeann Day-Wilson, Duke’s road to the Elite Eight had been marked by a series of gritty, close wins. As they faced South Carolina, the Blue Devils were full of confidence, believing they could pull off the upset.

The Early Stages: A Battle of Wills

From the tip-off, it was clear that this would be no ordinary game. South Carolina and Duke quickly set the tone with a physical, up-tempo style of play that energized the crowd. South Carolina’s defense, known for its suffocating pressure, was on full display, but Duke’s quick ball movement and tenacious perimeter shooting kept them in the game.

The Gamecocks initially took control with Aliyah Boston asserting herself in the paint. Her presence was felt on both ends of the court as she controlled the boards and scored at will. Zia Cooke also found her rhythm early, hitting a couple of key three-pointers to give South Carolina a slight lead. However, Duke was not going to back down. The Blue Devils responded with sharp shooting from Celeste Taylor, who knocked down two consecutive three-pointers, and an aggressive drive to the basket by Shayeann Day-Wilson, who had been the engine for Duke’s offense.

By the end of the first quarter, South Carolina held a slim lead, but Duke’s defense was beginning to make its mark. The Blue Devils’ ability to switch on screens and apply full-court pressure forced South Carolina into some uncharacteristic turnovers. While the Gamecocks still had the edge, it was clear that this would not be an easy win.

The Midgame Surge: Duke’s Resilience

As the second quarter began, the game took an unexpected turn. Duke’s defense tightened, forcing South Carolina into contested shots and capitalizing on transition opportunities. Day-Wilson’s ability to penetrate the defense and kick out to open shooters, combined with Duke’s impressive ball movement, allowed the Blue Devils to claw their way back into the game.

The turning point came midway through the second quarter when Duke went on a 10-2 run. South Carolina, normally so disciplined on both ends of the floor, found themselves off balance. The Blue Devils capitalized on every opportunity, and their bench was equally impressive, with players like Maddie McMahon stepping up with key minutes and contributing offensively.

Despite the surge from Duke, South Carolina showed its resilience, responding with a run of their own. Cooke’s ability to drive to the basket and get fouled, combined with Boston’s continued dominance in the paint, helped the Gamecocks weather the storm. The teams exchanged leads, and as the half came to a close, it was evident that neither side was willing to give up.

The Final Quarter: A Fight to the Finish

As the game entered the final quarter, the tension was palpable. South Carolina held a slight lead, but Duke had proven time and again that they could match their intensity. With just under seven minutes remaining, the Blue Devils managed to take a one-point lead, thanks to a series of clutch free throws from Taylor and a timely three-pointer from McMahon.

The Gamecocks, however, were determined not to let this game slip away. Dawn Staley, known for her calm under pressure and sharp strategic mind, called for a timeout to refocus her team. The Gamecocks came out of the break with renewed energy, tightening their defense and looking for high-percentage shots. Boston, whose impact had been felt all game, delivered a clutch basket in the paint, tying the game with less than five minutes to go.

Duke was far from intimidated. Day-Wilson continued to create opportunities for her teammates, and Taylor’s defense on Cooke became more aggressive. Yet, South Carolina’s experience in high-pressure moments began to show. With less than two minutes remaining, Cooke drove to the basket, drawing a foul and hitting two crucial free throws to give South Carolina a three-point lead. The Blue Devils responded, but a missed three-pointer by Taylor with under thirty seconds left sealed their fate.

With time ticking down, the Gamecocks made their free throws, and as the buzzer sounded, South Carolina had emerged victorious by a final score of 76-72. The Gamecocks, having weathered the storm and survived a relentless challenge from Duke, had secured their place in the Final Four.

Key Performances

The win was a true team effort for South Carolina, but several players stood out in this crucial matchup. Aliyah Boston, once again, showcased why she is one of the most dominant players in college basketball. She finished with a double-double, scoring 20 points and grabbing 12 rebounds. Her presence in the paint was the difference-maker, as she was able to impose her will on both offense and defense.

Zia Cooke, who had been under pressure throughout the game, came through when it mattered most. She finished with 18 points, many of which came in the second half when the Gamecocks needed a spark. Her ability to score in a variety of ways—whether driving to the basket or hitting key three-pointers—was critical to the Gamecocks’ success.

On the other side, Duke’s Shayeann Day-Wilson was a standout performer, finishing with 22 points and 6 assists. Her ability to break down the South Carolina defense and create opportunities for her teammates was evident throughout the game. Celeste Taylor also had a strong game, contributing 19 points, but her efforts were not enough to secure the win.

The Importance of Coaching

Dawn Staley’s leadership and coaching were also key factors in the Gamecocks’ victory. Staley has been a trailblazer in women’s basketball, and her ability to adapt to different situations was on full display in this game. From adjusting the Gamecocks’ defensive schemes to managing her team’s energy, Staley demonstrated why she is considered one of the top coaches in the game today.

On the other hand, Kara Lawson’s coaching for Duke was also impressive. Lawson kept her team in the game despite several challenges, and her ability to adjust defensively to slow down South Carolina’s offensive flow was a testament to her strategic acumen. Despite the loss, Duke’s performance in this game proved they are a program to be reckoned with.

Looking Ahead: South Carolina in the Final Four

With the win, South Carolina now advances to the Final Four, where they will face an equally formidable opponent. The Gamecocks have proven they can win in different ways: with defense, with offense, and with resilience in tight situations. The road ahead will not be easy, but with players like Boston and Cooke, and the leadership of Staley, South Carolina will be a tough out for any team that stands in their way.

The victory over Duke was a defining moment for South Carolina’s season, but it also showcased the growing strength of women’s college basketball. With fierce competition, memorable performances, and games that come down to the wire, the women’s tournament continues to rise in prominence and excitement.

As the Gamecocks celebrate their hard-fought victory, they know the next challenge will be even tougher. But for now, they can savor the moment—because they have made it to the Final Four, and their journey to defend their title is still alive.