In a thrilling semifinal showdown at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena, Kamilla Cardoso emerged as the hero for South Carolina women’s basketball. The senior center’s buzzer-beating 3-pointer secured a dramatic 74-73 victory over Tennessee in the SEC Tournament semifinals.
With just 1.1 seconds remaining on the clock, Cardoso delivered her first career 3-point field goal, igniting a frenzy among the crowd and sealing the Gamecocks’ spot in the championship game.
South Carolina, the top-ranked team in the nation with an impeccable 31-0 record, will now advance to face the winner of LSU and Ole Miss in the SEC Tournament final on Sunday at 3 p.m. ESPN will broadcast the highly anticipated matchup live from the Bon Secours Wellness Arena.
The Gamecocks showcased a renewed sense of urgency after a sluggish offensive start in their previous game, dominating the opening quarter against Tennessee. They built a commanding lead, outscoring the Lady Vols 13-0 and maintaining a strong defensive presence.
Despite Tennessee’s impressive second-half comeback, fueled by star forward Rickea Jackson’s outstanding performance, South Carolina’s dominance on the glass proved crucial. The Gamecocks controlled the rebounding margin throughout the game, particularly in the first half, where they outrebounded the Lady Vols 20-7.
While Tennessee’s offense surged after halftime, South Carolina’s relentless pursuit of rebounds and second-chance opportunities allowed them to maintain control. Despite the Lady Vols’ efforts, the Gamecocks’ aggressive rebounding ultimately played a pivotal role in securing the hard-fought victory.
Cardoso’s clutch shot and South Carolina’s resilience underscored their determination to maintain their unbeaten streak and secure yet another title in the fiercely competitive SEC Tournament.
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