- Fifth consecutive Final Four appearance for Gamecocks program
- Lowest scoring output of season in defensive slugfest
- Kitts/Feagin combine for 26 points in crucial fourth quarter
- Duke's Cinderella run ends despite holding SC 26% below scoring average
In a March Madness classic defined by suffocating defense, top-seeded South Carolina (34-3) overcame their lowest scoring performance of the season to defeat second-seeded Duke 54-50 in Sunday's Elite Eight showdown. The victory extends the Gamecocks' unprecedented streak to five consecutive Final Four appearances - the longest active run in Division I basketball.
The Birmingham crowd of 11,252 witnessed a tactical masterclass from both coaching staffs, with the teams combining for 27 forced turnovers. Duke (29-8) held South Carolina to 38% shooting from the field, nearly 15% below their season average. This was championship-level defense from both squads,said ESPN analyst Rebecca Lobo during the broadcast. You're seeing why these programs combine for 17 Elite Eight appearances.
Regional Impact: Alabama's first women's NCAA regional final since 1998 drew fans from 28 states, with Birmingham hotels reporting 92% occupancy. Local merchants saw 18% revenue increases compared to typical March weekends.
Industry Insight: The defensive showdown reflects growing parity in women's basketball. While powerhouses like South Carolina dominate headlines, 12 different programs have now reached the Elite Eight across the past three tournaments - up from 8 between 2016-2019.
With 4:21 remaining in the fourth quarter, Sania Feagin's mid-range jumper broke a 46-46 tie, sparking an 8-0 Gamecocks run that proved decisive. Duke sophomore Toby Fournier's game-high 18 points kept the Blue Devils within striking distance until the final possession.
Historical Context: South Carolina now seeks to become the first repeat champion since UConn's 2013-2016 dynasty. Since the NCAA adopted the 64-team format in 1994, only 3 defending champions have returned to the Final Four the following year.