Author: footballtopstar

In a thrilling night of women’s basketball, the championship matchup for the Final Four is set. Top-seeded South Carolina and second-seeded UConn each delivered dominant performances, cruising past Texas and UCLA, respectively.

Sunday’s title game will showcase two of the sport’s most prestigious programs. South Carolina, the defending champions, will aim to become the first team since UConn (2013-2016) to successfully defend its national title. Meanwhile, UConn is pursuing its 12th NCAA Tournament championship and its first since 2016.

This game marks a rematch of the 2022 championship, where South Carolina triumphed 64-49. The teams previously met in February, with UConn stunning South Carolina with a 29-point road victory.

UConn, who played the late game on Friday, jumped out to a commanding lead against UCLA and never looked back, cruising to an 85-51 victory. The Huskies’ win was driven by Sarah Strong and Azzi Fudd, who helped lead UConn to its 13th national title game appearance. Superstar Paige Bueckers, typically the focal point, contributed a solid 16 points, but didn’t need to carry the load alone. Strong finished with 22 points, while Fudd scored all 19 of her points in the first half. The win ends UConn’s eight-year championship drought.

For UCLA, star center Lauren Betts scored 26 points, but it wasn’t enough to overcome UConn’s offensive firepower.

Earlier in the evening, South Carolina dominated Texas, winning 74-57 behind a well-rounded team effort. Te-Hina Paopao led the Gamecocks with 14 points, and freshman Joyce Edwards contributed 13 points, 11 rebounds, and six assists. South Carolina’s depth and poise were on full display as they weathered an early deficit to take control of the game. The Gamecocks outscored Texas 40-22 in the paint and had three players in double figures, including Bree Hall with 11 points.

Texas, who was making its first Final Four appearance since 2003, struggled to keep pace. Madison Booker led the Longhorns with 11 points, but foul trouble, particularly for Booker, hindered their efforts. Despite a strong showing from Jordan Lee off the bench with 16 points, Texas couldn’t match South Carolina’s rhythm, especially in the second half.

South Carolina, who went undefeated last season to capture the championship, has faced more challenges this year. Lacking stars like A’ja Wilson, Aliyah Boston, and Kamilla Cardoso, the Gamecocks have relied on a balanced rotation to reach their third championship game in four years. Their bench depth has been a key factor, and they got 35 points from reserves in the win over Texas, including 9 from Tessa Johnson and 7 from Milaysia Fulwiley. Former South Carolina greats, including Wilson, Boston, and Allisha Gray, cheered them on from the stands.

In what was their fourth meeting this season, South Carolina seized the lead in the second quarter after Booker went to the bench with two fouls. With her absence, South Carolina outscored Texas by 13 points to take a 38-35 halftime lead. Texas had no answer for South Carolina’s offensive onslaught, especially after the Gamecocks surged in the third quarter with an 11-0 run that was sparked by Edwards’ layup. Texas never managed to pull closer than 10 points after that.

Sunday’s game promises to be a highly anticipated rematch, as two powerhouse programs collide for the national championship.

 

The South Carolina Gamecocks and Connecticut Huskies are set to face off in the women’s national championship game after dominant victories in the Final Four on Friday night.

In the first semifinal in Tampa, the defending-champion Gamecocks fell behind early but stormed back to beat the Texas Longhorns 74-57. Texas came out firing, taking a 12-4 lead in the opening minutes, with SEC Player of the Year Madison Booker scoring six points in the first 10 minutes. However, South Carolina quickly found their rhythm, outscoring the Longhorns in every subsequent quarter—20-16, 20-9, and 16-13.

The Gamecocks displayed a balanced offensive attack, with Te-Hina Paopao leading the way with 14 points. Freshman Joyce Edwards contributed 13 points off the bench, playing a key role in the Gamecocks’ second-half surge. On defense, South Carolina excelled, limiting Texas to just 39.3% shooting and forcing 14 turnovers. Booker, who had started strong, struggled to maintain her form, finishing with only 11 points, 1 rebound, and no assists.

With the win, South Carolina is now heading to their third national championship game in the past four seasons. Head coach Dawn Staley is in pursuit of her fourth national title since taking over the program in 2017.

Standing in their way is the Connecticut Huskies, who absolutely dismantled UCLA in the second semifinal, winning 85-51. From the opening tip, Connecticut’s defensive pressure stifled UCLA, forcing the Bruins into a 38.5% shooting night and 19 turnovers. Lauren Betts was the lone bright spot for UCLA, scoring 26 points, but the rest of the team struggled mightily.

On the offensive side, the Huskies were led by senior guard Azzi Fudd, who scored 19 points on 7-of-12 shooting. Freshman Sarah Strong added 22 points, and despite a quiet night from Paige Bueckers—who contributed 16 points—Connecticut showed their depth and firepower. The win was especially impressive considering the Huskies never let UCLA settle into a rhythm.

The victory sends Connecticut to their first national championship game in three years, following a loss to South Carolina in the 2022 final. The Huskies have not won a national title since 2016, but with this dominant performance, they are eager to reclaim the top spot in women’s college basketball.

Now, the stage is set for a highly anticipated title game between South Carolina and Connecticut, a rematch of the 2022 final, where the Gamecocks emerged victorious.

In a thrilling Final Four matchup on Friday in Tampa, Florida, South Carolina’s women’s basketball team dominated the third quarter, outscoring Texas by 11 points to seal a 74-57 victory and punch their ticket to the NCAA Tournament national championship game for the second consecutive year.

Leading the charge for the Gamecocks (35-3) was freshman Joyce Edwards, who delivered an impressive double-double in her first-ever Final Four appearance, contributing 13 points and 11 rebounds. South Carolina entered halftime with a slim three-point lead, but after the break, they exploded, outscoring the Longhorns (35-4) 20-9 in the third quarter, thanks in part to an 11-0 run.

South Carolina trailed Texas for most of the first quarter, but a pivotal 3-pointer by Te-Hina Paopao in the second quarter gave the Gamecocks their first lead of the night. From there, the teams exchanged the lead multiple times before South Carolina began to pull away in the second half.

The Gamecocks will face No. 2 seed UConn (35-3) in the national championship game on Sunday at 3 p.m. ET, after UConn demolished top-seeded UCLA 85-51 in the other semifinal. South Carolina’s previous meeting with UConn ended in a tough 87-58 loss at home in February.

**Joyce Edwards Shines in Historic Performance**

Joyce Edwards made history by becoming the first player in 25 years to come off the bench and record 10+ points, 10+ rebounds, and 5+ assists in a Final Four game. Edwards finished with 13 points, 11 rebounds, and six assists, showcasing her all-around game.

With just over seven minutes remaining in the game, South Carolina led 61-48, thanks to Edwards’ continued dominance on both ends of the floor. Her physical play even led to a brief injury scare, but after receiving treatment for a cut, Edwards was quickly back in the game, continuing to contribute to her team’s commanding performance.

**South Carolina’s Strong Third Quarter**

The Gamecocks came out of halftime with a renewed focus, and their shooting was on fire early in the third quarter. Bree Hall nailed a 3-pointer and Chloe Kitts added a jumper, extending the lead to 43-37. Texas struggled to keep pace, and by the end of the quarter, South Carolina had extended its lead to 58-44, one quarter away from another shot at the national title.

**Madison Booker Faces Foul Trouble**

Madison Booker, Texas’ standout forward, was limited to just nine minutes of play in the first half due to foul trouble. She was forced to the bench after picking up her third foul in the opening quarter. Despite this, she contributed seven points and one rebound before sitting out for the rest of the half. South Carolina took advantage of her absence, finishing the first half on a 9-3 run to hold a 38-35 lead at the break.

**A Familiar Face: Dawn Staley’s Necklaces**

South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley was once again seen sporting her signature collection of necklaces, which have become a staple of her look during March Madness. Among them, two necklaces were made by *Blakeleigh Thompson*, a 7-year-old battling leukemia who shares a close bond with Staley. Another piece was a chain in the shape of the NCAA national championship trophy, gifted to Staley by South Carolina superfan *Plies*, featuring the years of the Gamecocks’ national championships (2017, 2022, 2024), along with a motivational verse from Psalm 46:5.

**A Glimpse of South Carolina’s Title Hopes**

The Gamecocks have won three national championships under Staley’s leadership—2017, 2022, and most recently in 2024. They are now aiming for their fourth title in the 2024-25 season, following a perfect 38-0 record last year.

South Carolina’s journey to the title game was further bolstered by the contributions of Edwards, who helped push the Gamecocks into a dominant position with her 12 points, 10 rebounds, and four assists, as South Carolina led 54-41 midway through the third quarter.

As the Gamecocks advance to their third national championship appearance in four years, they’ll face a formidable challenge from UConn, who have been on an impressive run of their own this tournament. The championship game will tip off at 3 p.m. ET on Sunday, broadcast live on ABC/ESPN.

In their three meetings this season, including the most recent in the SEC Tournament championship game, South Carolina proved to be a dominant force over Texas. In those matchups, six Gamecocks players averaged at least 7.5 points, while South Carolina‘s defense limited the Longhorns to just 53.7 points per game on 33.3% shooting.

The first clash came on January 12 in Columbia, where South Carolina triumphed 67-50. The Gamecocks built a commanding 17-point halftime lead, with their defense smothering the Longhorns, holding them to a mere 15.4% shooting in the opening quarter, setting the tone for the game.

In the February 9 rematch in Austin, Texas managed to edge out a 66-62 victory. Texas led by nine at halftime, but South Carolina battled back to tie the game at the end of the third quarter. However, Texas‘s sharp shooting in the final stretch secured the win.

“We learned and grew from every loss or setback,” said South Carolina guard Te-Hina Paopao. “I thought our perseverance was our heartbeat. We got tougher, and our toughness comes from going through battles together. I’m proud of this team, but we know the job isn’t done.”

Finally, in the SEC Tournament final on March 9, South Carolina dominated Texas in the second quarter with a 21-6 run, eventually sealing a 64-45 victory. This win marked their third straight and ninth overall SEC Tournament crown.

Chicago Bears Receive Warning on Recent Signing from Two NFL Executives

As the Chicago Bears entered the 2025 offseason, they knew the trenches needed work. General manager Ryan Poles made a strong move to address this need, adding three offensive line starters and two defensive line starters. The addition of Jonah Jackson, Joe Thuney, and Drew Dalman to the interior offensive line in March has bolstered the team’s line, leaving Poles with just one more area to improve: left tackle. On the defensive side, the Bears signed Grady Jarrett and Dayo Oedyingbo, giving them added flexibility going into the 2025 draft, where they hold four picks in the first 72 selections.

However, not all NFL executives are sold on one of the Bears’ key signings.

According to Mike Sando of The Athletic, one NFL executive has voiced concerns about Drew Dalman, the newly signed center. The executive believes Dalman might not be the ideal fix for drop-back situations and is better suited for wide-zone blocking in the run game. “Detroit did a lot of that, but with the keeper element that Caleb Williams enables, your cutback is going to be there,” the exec stated. “Time will tell if their guard play enables the gap-scheme element as a complement. I do think the integrity of the pocket, with that center, will be compromised in dropback situations. I’d imagine they are planning on staying out of those situations as much as they can.”

Pro Football Focus gave Dalman a 66.6 overall grade for pass protection in 2024, ranking him 21st out of 64 centers. However, he received praise for his run-blocking, earning the fifth spot in that category and ranking fourth overall.

Another executive, quoted by Sando, praised the Bears’ moves to bring in Thuney and Jackson, calling them smart acquisitions. However, the same exec felt that the Bears overpaid for Dalman, who signed a three-year, $42 million deal. “I applaud them for doing it the way they are doing it,” the exec remarked. “You get two proven commodities at guard, and the head coach (Ben Johnson) knows Jonah Jackson from Detroit. It’s an overpay for the center, but they have a chance to address left tackle in the draft and come away with a pretty formidable group.”

It’s common for teams to overpay during free agency, and the Bears clearly believe Dalman is their guy. If the offensive line upgrades help protect Caleb Williams, new head coach Ben Johnson will be looking for a more balanced offense that emphasizes the run game. If Dalman can contribute to improving the Bears’ run game, which struggled in 2024, it will help alleviate pressure on the passing game and give Williams more time in the pocket.

 

In the highly anticipated Final Four of the 2025 Women’s NCAA Tournament, top-seeded teams from the SEC, Texas (35-3) and South Carolina (34-3), will face off this Friday. This marks the fourth meeting between the two squads this season. The victorious team will advance to the championship game on Sunday to compete against the winner of the UConn vs. UCLA matchup. During the regular season, the teams each won one game on their home court, but South Carolina triumphed in the SEC Tournament title game, defeating Texas 64-45.

South Carolina, aiming for its fourth national title since 2017 under head coach Dawn Staley, is poised for another championship run, while Texas holds a single national title from 1986.

The game will tip off at 7 p.m. ET at Amalie Arena in Tampa Bay. As the teams prepare to battle it out, the latest odds have South Carolina as 4.5-point favorites, with an over/under set at 126.5 points. Before making any picks for the South Carolina vs. Texas game, be sure to check out insights from SportsLine experts Aaron Barzilai and Calvin Wetzel.

Barzilai, a Stanford Ph.D. and former Director of Basketball Analytics for the Philadelphia 76ers, and Wetzel, who combines a strong background in mathematics with deep knowledge of women’s basketball, have been making winning predictions all season. They boast an impressive 543-383 overall record (+122.89 units) during the 2023-24 women’s college basketball season and a 125-71-1 record (+44.33 units) so far in 2024-25.

Here’s a breakdown of their top picks for the South Carolina vs. Texas showdown:

Texas +4.5
Both teams won on their respective home courts during the regular season, with South Carolina’s SEC Tournament victory technically happening on a neutral court, but one heavily favored by their fanbase, as it was held in Greenville, S.C., just 100 miles from their campus. “This will be the first true neutral site meeting, and despite South Carolina’s dominance in two of the first three, this spread is a bit too high for Texas,” said Wetzel. “South Carolina hasn’t covered since the first round, and just last weekend, they barely escaped with wins in the Sweet 16 and Elite Eight.”

Under 126.5 points
Excluding the lopsided first-round victories, both teams have favored lower-scoring games in the tournament so far. Both Texas and South Carolina held their respective last opponents to under 50 points. “These teams are tough, physical, and defensive-minded, and their defensive strengths align well with the other’s offensive style,” Wetzel explained. “The highest-scoring meeting was 128 points, and the other two were below 120. The intensity of the Final Four will only further favor defense.”

For those looking for more expert picks on the Women’s NCAA Tournament, don’t miss out on the full range of predictions from Wetzel and Barzilai, who are up 44 units this season on women’s college basketball picks.

Live from Columbia, S.C. — Dawn Staley, the legendary head coach of the South Carolina Gamecocks women’s basketball team, isn’t just a powerhouse on the court—she’s also building an impressive fortune off of it. From her humble beginnings in Philadelphia to becoming a three-time NCAA champion, Staley has turned her passion for basketball into a multimillion-dollar empire.

As the driving force behind South Carolina’s sustained success, Staley’s biggest payday comes from her role as head coach, a position she’s held since 2008. Her most recent contract, signed in January 2025, is a massive five-year, $25.25 million deal, starting with a $4 million base salary and a $500,000 signing bonus. “I’m proud to represent the University of South Carolina and its investment in women’s basketball,” Staley said after signing the deal. This contract makes her the highest-paid women’s college basketball coach in history. Over the next five years, her salary will increase by $250,000 annually, reaching $5.2 million by the 2029-30 season. This is a far cry from her starting salary of $650,000 just 17 years ago.

Looking at her wealth, as of 2025, Dawn Staley has an estimated net worth of $12 million. Her impressive salary is complemented by lucrative bonuses, such as a $150,000 incentive for a Final Four appearance. Her undefeated 38-0 season in 2024 earned her an additional $680,000—proof that her results justify the pay. Before this massive contract, Staley was already banking substantial sums, earning $3.1 million for the 2024-25 season under her previous seven-year, $22.4 million deal.

With three national championships and six Final Four appearances under her belt, it’s clear why fans and critics alike admire her work. “We’ve built something special here,” Staley told The Athletic in 2022, and it’s hard to argue with her success. Fans have rallied behind her, with one noting, “Dawn’s earning that bag and then some!”

Beyond her coaching salary, Staley diversifies her income through endorsement deals, including partnerships with Aflac and other brands. Her career as a six-time WNBA All-Star with the Charlotte Sting and three Olympic gold medals as a player continue to fuel her business ventures. Additionally, her Dawn Staley Foundation and “Netlife” podcast offer extra revenue streams, expanding her influence beyond basketball.

“I’m not doing this just for the money,” Staley once said, emphasizing her advocacy for equity in women’s sports. Still, with a $12 million net worth, it’s clear her success in both basketball and business has paid off. From her record-setting point guard days in Virginia to becoming South Carolina’s queen, Dawn Staley‘s legacy continues to grow, and she’s far from finished.

Live from Birmingham, Ala. — The South Carolina Gamecocks women’s basketball team has made it to the Final Four for the fifth consecutive season. On Sunday, they narrowly defeated the Duke Blue Devils 54-50 in a gritty Elite Eight matchup, securing their spot in Tampa for the next stage of the 2025 NCAA Tournament. With an impressive 20 wins in their last 21 NCAA Tournament games, the Gamecocks were the first team to lock in their tickets to Tampa.

South Carolina’s success was well-represented in the Birmingham All-Regional Team, with three Gamecocks earning spots.

Chloe Kitts, the junior forward, was named Regional MVP. In South Carolina’s two games in Alabama, Kitts averaged 14.5 points and 7.5 rebounds per game, leading the team in both categories. Her standout performance helped propel the Gamecocks to victory.

Senior forward Sania Feagin also earned a spot on the All-Regional Team. Feagin posted impressive numbers, averaging 10.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, 2.0 blocks, 2.0 assists, and 1.5 steals, while shooting over 50% from the field.

Sophomore guard MiLaysia Fulwiley rounded out South Carolina’s trio on the team. Fulwiley averaged 14 points per game, along with 3.0 rebounds and 1.5 assists. She delivered crucial scoring and playmaking, leading the team in scoring against Maryland and providing key bursts of offense during critical moments when South Carolina needed a spark.

Also named to the All-Regional Team were Duke’s Toby Fournier and Ashlon Jackson.

GamecockCentral’s Chris Wellbaum mirrored the official selections but gave Feagin the nod for MVP. Meanwhile, Mingo Martin of GamecockCentral had a slightly different perspective, including Te-Hina Paopao from South Carolina and Jadyn Donovan from Duke on his ballot, with Fulwiley as his MVP.

With this win, South Carolina is now set to compete in its seventh Final Four, all since the 2014-2015 season. The Gamecocks’ current streak of five consecutive Final Four appearances is particularly impressive, as they would have likely reached six in a row had the 2019-2020 season not been cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Looking ahead, Dawn Staley’s Gamecocks will face the winner of the Texas Longhorns and TCU Horned Frogs matchup in the next round. The Final Four game is scheduled for Friday, April 4, in Tampa, Florida. While the exact tip time and broadcast details are still to be determined, fans can catch the game on ESPN or ESPN2.

Stay tuned for more updates as South Carolina looks to continue its championship run.

Live from Tampa, Fla. — As South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Dawn Staley leads her team back to the Final Four for the fifth consecutive year, she’s quick to credit her entire staff, not just herself or the players, for the program’s sustained success.

The No. 1-seeded Gamecocks have been a dominant force in women’s college basketball, advancing to the Final Four after defeating Duke. Now, they’re set to face Texas, another No. 1 seed, for a chance at the national championship.

While much of the attention is rightfully on Staley and her players, the head coach made sure to shine a spotlight on Jacob Huden, the program’s director of basketball video services. Staley spoke highly of Huden’s behind-the-scenes contributions, saying, “I don’t know how he does it. He gives us anything that we need. Remotely, physically, I don’t think he gets enough credit for organizing us. He’s up all times of the night. He just really does all the little things. He sacrifices his time for us. He’ll be over here getting videos of all the (other tournament) games while we’re at practice.”

Jacob Huden has been a key part of the program since 2011, playing a vital role in helping Staley and her coaching staff prepare for crucial games, especially in the tournament.

This collaboration goes beyond just South Carolina. Staley has relied on Huden’s expertise during her time coaching the USA national team, where his video work contributed to the team’s success, helping them earn gold medals at the 2018 FIBA World Cup, the 2019, 2021 FIBA AmeriCup, and the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

As the Gamecocks continue their championship quest, Staley made sure to recognize Huden’s unwavering dedication and support, proving that every piece of the puzzle is crucial to their continued success.

More news……

When Did South Carolina Last Lose a Tournament Game? Dawn Staley’s Streak at risk

South Carolina has secured its fifth consecutive trip to the Final Four after narrowly edging past Duke to claim the Birmingham Regional 2 title!

At this point, for Gamecocks fans, it’s becoming a familiar sensation. Under the leadership of head coach Dawn Staley, South Carolina’s women’s basketball program has solidified its place as a powerhouse. This marks the defending NCAA tournament champions’ seventh trip to the national semifinal since Staley took the helm in 2008.

But don’t let the dominance fool you — Duke put up an intense fight in the Elite Eight. The Blue Devils even held a four-point lead heading into the final quarter, thanks to a stellar performance from freshman forward Toby Fournier, who almost pushed Staley and her squad to face a rare March setback.

When did South Carolina last lose in March Madness?

Speaking of rare losses, the last time South Carolina was defeated in March Madness was on March 31, 2023, at the hands of an Iowa team led by Caitlin Clark, a two-time AP Player of the Year and current WNBA standout. The Gamecocks fell short in a tough 77-73 loss. Since then, however, South Carolina has strung together 10 straight March Madness victories, with a major revenge win over Iowa the very next season, clinching the 2024 championship in an 87-75 victory.

Despite Staley’s impressive run, South Carolina’s sustained success isn’t entirely unprecedented. UConn dominated the tournament from 2013 to 2017, winning 24 consecutive games and securing the first four-peat in women’s basketball history. The Huskies have also captured multiple back-to-back titles, so the Gamecocks still have some catching up to do.

However, the inevitable happens — the mighty will fall. It’s rare, but it happens. UConn experienced this on the men’s side this year, with Dan Hurley’s decorated team being knocked out in the Round of 32 by Florida.

Live from Tampa, Fla. — The South Carolina Gamecocks women’s basketball team will square off against the Texas Longhorns for the fourth and final time this NCAA season on April 4, as both teams battle it out in the 2025 NCAA Tournament Final Four.

Currently, the Gamecocks hold a 2-1 advantage over the Longhorns, with their latest victory being a dominant win in the SEC Conference Tournament championship game. However, with the stakes higher than ever in the Final Four, past results are out the window, and both teams are set to give their all on the grandest stage of college basketball.

One player who has been pivotal to South Carolina’s postseason success is Chloe Kitts, arguably the team’s most consistent performer. Kitts earned MVP honors at the SEC Tournament, averaging 16.7 points and 7.7 rebounds per game during the competition, helping her team secure the title.

Speaking to the media on April 3, Kitts shared a light-hearted moment about the overwhelming number of ticket requests she’s received for the Final Four. When asked about the situation, she laughed and responded, “A lot of people,” referencing her ticket requests, as reported by Matt Dowell of WACH Fox.

Kitts, hailing from Oviedo, Florida, just two hours from Tampa, added, “But I only get six tickets, so they have to find their own,” eliciting a few chuckles from reporters.

It seems many of Kitts’ fans from her hometown will have to settle for watching her play from home as she heads into the most significant game of her career so far.

More news…..

South Carolina secures commitment from standout transfer guard Treysen Eaglestaff

In breaking news, Treysen Eaglestaff, the standout transfer from North Dakota, has officially committed to South Carolina, according to his agent, George Langberg, who spoke with On3.

Standing at 6-foot-6, the junior from Bismarck, North Dakota, visited the Gamecocks just this past weekend. Eaglestaff ultimately chose Lamont Paris and his coaching staff over a list of high-profile programs, including Kansas, Kentucky, Gonzaga, and Iowa.

Eaglestaff had an impressive season, ranking among the nation’s top scorers. He averaged 18.9 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game. Notably, he dropped a stunning 40 points against Alabama back in December and followed that up with a jaw-dropping 51-point performance against South Dakota State earlier this month.

This commitment is a major win for South Carolina, injecting new optimism into Columbia for the upcoming season. The Gamecocks, who finished at the bottom of the SEC standings this year with a 2-16 conference record, will surely hope that Eaglestaff’s talent can help turn things around.

For the latest updates on the transfer portal and player moves, be sure to follow On3’s Transfer Portal Wire and stay connected with their Instagram and Twitter accounts.