In San Antonio The Stanford women survived a potential last second disaster to defeat the South Carolina Gamecocks and moved onto the NCAA championship game on Sunday against Arizona.
Start watching the video at 12:00. It’s something to behold.
Top photo – Stanford players rejoice after sophomore forward Aliyah Boston missed a putback at the buzzer that would have given South Carolina the win. The Cardinal advance to Sunday’s championship to face Arizona.
Excerpted from San Francisco Chronicle 4.3.2021
Stanford’s quest for a national championship nearly slipped from its grip in the final nine seconds of Friday’s Final Four matchup with South Carolina in San Antonio.
The Cardinal, though, will play Arizona on Sunday for the third NCAA title in program history, courtesy of two missed point-blank shots by the Gamecocks in the final frantic moments.
SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS – APRIL 02: Lexie Hull #12 of the Stanford Cardinal shoots the jump shot against the South Carolina Gamecocks during the second quarter in the Final Four semifinal game of the 2021 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament at the Alamodome on April 02, 2021 in San Antonio, Texas. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
Stanford’s winning streak reached 19 by the slimmest of margins. The Cardinal escaped with a 66-65 victory.
Setting the stage … Destanni Henderson hit a 3-pointer with 39 seconds left to put South Carolina up 65-64.
Stanford (30-2) had not trailed since late in the first quarter and it would regain the lead seven seconds later. Lexie Hull missed on a drive, but on a scramble for the rebound, Haley Jones corralled the loose ball and dropped home a 15-foot jumper from the left side.
After a South Carolina turnover, Stanford inbounded near midcourt with nine seconds left. The ball went to Cameron Brink. She lost it and the Gamecocks had a fast-break opportunity.
Brea Beal drove to the bucket but missed a layup try that Hull did a nice job contesting. All-America forward Aliyah Boston grabbed the rebound, but her short follow shot bounced off the back rim at the buzzer.
As South Carolina players seemed in disbelief that their season had ended, Stanford players seemed both exultant and relieved that their season will last one more game.
Lee's Perspective 