South Carolina lost five starters from its 2023 squad, which finished the regular season undefeated — but lost to Caitlin Clark and Iowa in the Final Four. This year was supposed to be a rebuilding season.
Instead, the Gamecocks decided to go undefeated again.
Their run almost came to an end in the SEC tournament semifinals Saturday against Tennessee. The Volunteers battled with the top team in the country and led 73-71 with just one second to go. What they didn’t expect was the conference’s Defensive Player of the Year to score her first-ever 3-pointer.
Meet Kamilla Cardoso, the senior whose buzzer-beater sent South Carolina to the SEC tournament championship game.
MORE: Complete guide to 2024 Women’s NCAA Tournament
Who is Kamilla Cardoso?
Cardoso spoiled Tennessee’s near-upset at the last second.
On Raven Johnson’s throw-in, the WNBA draft prospect had no time to think about where to pass the ball. Instead, she took a shot from behind the arc. “Shoot that blanky-blank,” Dawn Staley told her.
It was meant to be. She drilled her first career 3-pointer to secure the Gamecocks’ 37th straight conference victory.
KAMILLA. FREAKING. CARDOSO!!! pic.twitter.com/KxV40Osnhe
— South Carolina Women’s Basketball (@GamecockWBB) March 9, 2024
The SEC Defensive Player of the Year…
