For the first time since she took the reins of the program, Dawn Staley’s South Carolina Gamecocks won’t leave the championship game as the reigning champions.
This was their first loss in four trips to the ultimate stage. Needless to say, it was a disappointing end to a tough season, and it was the second humiliating loss to the Huskies in less than three months.
That’s why, following her team’s 82-59 blowout loss to Paige Bueckers and the Huskies, he legendary college basketball coach had no choice but to tip her hat to her opponents.
Dawn Staley has some strong words after loss to Huskies
“Our kids gave it all they had,” Staley said. “When you can understand why you lost and when you’ve been on the other side of that three times, you understand it. You can swallow it. We lost to a very, very good basketball team that beat our ass, but they didn’t make us like it. There’s a difference.”
Head coach Dawn Staley of the South Carolina Gamecocks
The Gamecocks looked sloppy all night long. They shot 34% from the field and committed 11 turnovers, and the Huskies’ defense forced them to take contested shot after contested shot.
Now, the program will have to find some younger talent to replenish their ranks, as they will lose Raven Johnson, Te-Hina Paopao, and Bree Hall. Even so, if someone can work her magic, it’s coach Staley.
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