No. 1 South Carolina women’s basketball was on the brink of its first loss of the season, down by two points to No. 5 Tennessee with just 1.1 seconds left on the clock.
But in the final play of the game, senior center Kamilla Cardoso hit a stunning 3-pointer — the first of her career — to preserve the Gamecocks’ undefeated record and send her team to the SEC tournament final with a 74-73 win over the Volunteers on Saturday at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, S.C.
“A miracle for the Gamecocks,” said the ESPN broadcast, as it panned to shots of Cardoso’s teammates around her in a dogpile at center court. “No bigger shot for Kamilla Cardoso. Her first 3 of the season.”
KAMILLA. FREAKING. CARDOSO!!! pic.twitter.com/KxV40Osnhe
— South Carolina Women’s Basketball (@GamecockWBB) March 9, 2024
Tennessee’s Rickea Jackson scored a game-high 22 points, and added nine rebounds and eight assists, while Jewell Spear added 21 points. They contributed to the Lady Vols’ second-half comeback after the Gamecocks led through the first two quarters. Cardoso scored 13 points, adding five rebounds and one assist, while MiLaysia Fulwiley also put up 13 points to pace South Carolina in the win.
South Carolina (31-0) will face the winner of Saturday’s game between No. 2…
