South Carolina Books a Sixth Straight Appearance in the Final Four; Johnson Named Sacramento 4 Regional MOP

Dawn Staley's Gamecocks defeat TCU 78-52 to advance to the national semifinals for the sixth consecutive year.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 2:40pm

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A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting the dynamic action of a women's basketball game, with the players and court rendered in sharp, overlapping geometric shapes and planes in the team colors of South Carolina and UConn.The upcoming Final Four clash between South Carolina and UConn promises to be a high-stakes, high-energy battle between two of the nation's premier women's basketball programs.Today in Tampa

The South Carolina Gamecocks women's basketball team has booked their sixth straight appearance in the Final Four of the NCAA tournament after defeating TCU 78-52 in the Elite Eight. Reigning SEC Defensive Player of the Year Raven Johnson was named the Sacramento 4 Regional Most Outstanding Player (MOP) ahead of the team's Final Four matchup against the UConn Huskies, the defending national champions.

Why it matters

South Carolina's run of six straight Final Four appearances under head coach Dawn Staley is a historic achievement in women's college basketball. The Gamecocks have established themselves as one of the premier programs in the country, winning two national championships and multiple SEC titles during this remarkable stretch.

The details

In the Elite Eight win over TCU, forwards Joyce Edwards and Agot Makeer led the way for the Gamecocks. Edwards finished with 24 points, 12 rebounds, 3 blocks, 2 assists and 1 steal, while Makeer added 18 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 steals. South Carolina trailed early 22-18 before closing the first half on a 17-5 run. Makeer and Edwards combined for 12 of the team's 29 points in the fourth quarter to seal the 26-point victory.

  • On Monday, March 31, 2026, South Carolina defeated TCU 78-52 in the Elite Eight.
  • The Final Four matchup between South Carolina and UConn is scheduled for Friday, April 3, 2026 at 7:00 pm ET.

The players

Dawn Staley

The head coach of the South Carolina Gamecocks women's basketball team, who has led the program to six straight Final Four appearances.

Raven Johnson

The reigning SEC Defensive Player of the Year and Sacramento 4 Regional Most Outstanding Player (MOP) for South Carolina.

Joyce Edwards

A forward for the South Carolina Gamecocks who had 24 points, 12 rebounds, 3 blocks, 2 assists and 1 steal in the Elite Eight win over TCU.

Agot Makeer

A guard for the South Carolina Gamecocks who scored 18 points with 4 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 steals in the Elite Eight victory.

Paige Bueckers

The star guard for the UConn Huskies, the defending national champions and South Carolina's opponent in the Final Four.

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What they’re saying

“You got to go pound for pound and be unafraid playing against an undefeated team.”

— Dawn Staley, Head Coach, South Carolina Gamecocks

“Raven is a winner and I'm glad people are seeing the type of player she is.”

— Dawn Staley, Head Coach, South Carolina Gamecocks

What’s next

The winner of the South Carolina-UConn matchup in the Final Four will advance to the national championship game on Sunday, April 6, 2026 in Tampa, Florida.

The takeaway

South Carolina's remarkable run of six straight Final Four appearances under Dawn Staley has cemented the Gamecocks as one of the premier women's basketball programs in the country. Their rematch against defending champion UConn in the national semifinals will be a highly anticipated clash between two of the sport's powerhouses.