CNR in Tampa: South Carolina in high spirits to beat Texas in Friday’s Final Four

TAMPA, Fla. – USC players, coaches and fans in Florida say they’re ready for the WBB Final Four matchup between South Carolina and Texas today at 7 p.m.

The winner at the Amalie Arena will play for the national championship, either against UConn or UCLA.

USC head coach Dawn Staley said she feels good about the game.

“We had a good prep week, and hopefully, we can play some of our best basketball,” Staley told the Carolina News & Reporter when arriving at the team’s hotel.

What one thing could get in the way of winning?

“Losing,” Staley said jokingly.

Texas is one of the three teams that beat the Gamecocks this season. Staley said she’s still in good spirits because of her team’s multiple Final Four appearances.

“This is our fifth time being here, and hopefully, we can use that experience to our advantage,” she said.

MiLaysia Fulwiley, a sophomore guard often referred to as a “walking highlight reel” by sports commentators, said she can’t wait to get on the court.

“I’m just ready to play,” she said. “We played Texas four times, so I’m just locked and trying to understand and learn that we have to be more locked in than them and come out more ready.”

Fans from South Carolina traveled to Tampa to cheer on the women’s team.

“I love the Lady Gamecocks … and love the University,” said Pam, a USC alumnus. “I’m going to be at the game and yell, scream and cheer like we usually do.”

Gamecocks who stayed at the same hotel as the team celebrated into Thursday night in the lobby.

That’s where Kamilla Cardoso, once a center for the Gamecocks, met with fans while on her way to see her former team.

“I’m just being here, being out there and vibrating for them,” Cardoso said. “I know they’re amazing. And they’re going to do a great job.”

Cardoso is now a professional basketball player for the Chicago Sky of the WNBA. She said going to Chicago didn’t change her love for her former teammates.

“It was a huge transition coming from South Carolina to Chicago, but I think I dealt with it very well,” Cardoso said. “You know, I’m just here, excited to see my girls play.”

If the Gamecocks beat Texas, they will stay in Tampa until Saturday, where they will face another team they have lost to for the national championship.

But for now, Staley is grateful to be representing the Southeastern Conference, along with Texas, at the Final Four.

“We are super excited to be here,” Staley said at a press conference. “(I’m) proud we could represent our league in such a fashion because we certainly competed all year long. And the reason why we’re here is because of the competitiveness of our conference.”

NOTE: Reporter Damian Bertrand is a member of the USC band traveling with the women’s basketball team.