No. 1 South Carolina Takes on No. 2 Duke in NCAA Women’s Elite Eight Showdown

The highly anticipated matchup between No. 1 South Carolina and No. 2 Duke is underway in Birmingham, Alabama, as part of the NCAA Women’s Elite Eight. The Gamecocks, led by head coach Dawn Staley, are seeking to advance to their second consecutive Final Four appearance.

First Quarter Update

The game got off to a strong start for South Carolina, with Chloe Kitts sinking the first three-pointer of the game to give the Gamecocks an early 6-2 lead. Te-Hina Paopao, South Carolina’s talented point guard, scored the team’s first point, setting the tone for a dominant performance.

Meanwhile, Duke’s Toby Fournier, the team’s leading scorer, got her first bucket of the game, showcasing her impressive skills. The Blue Devils, led by head coach Kara Lawson, are looking to upset the top-seeded Gamecocks and advance to the Final Four.

Halftime Update

At halftime, South Carolina holds a narrow 26-22 lead over Duke. The Gamecocks’ strong defensive performance has limited the Blue Devils’ scoring opportunities, while their own offense has been fueled by Paopao’s impressive playmaking.

Key Matchups to Watch

– South Carolina’s Aliyah Boston vs. Duke’s Elizabeth Balogun: This matchup pits two of the nation’s top players against each other. Boston, the Gamecocks’ dominant center, will face off against Balogun, the Blue Devils’ talented forward.
– South Carolina’s Te-Hina Paopao vs. Duke’s Vanessa de Jesus: This point guard matchup will be crucial in determining the outcome of the game. Paopao’s speed and agility will be tested by de Jesus’s strong defensive skills.

How to Watch

The game is being broadcast live on ABC, with streaming options available on Sling and other platforms. Fans can also follow the action on social media using the hashtag #NCAAWomen.

Stay tuned for further updates and highlights from this thrilling Elite Eight matchup!