Two pieces of the Final Four are set.
Top-seeded South Carolina became the first team to punch its ticket by taking down No. 3 seed Oregon State, 70-58, in the Elite Eight on Sunday. The Gamecocks head into the NCAA Women's Tournament's final weekend undefeated for a second consecutive year, and this time they hope to finish the job as Caitlin Clark and Iowa stunned South Carolina on that stage last season.
While South Carolina let Indiana get dangerously close to an upset in the Sweet 16, the Gamecocks stymied every Beavers run Sunday. It was an incredible defensive effort from the entire team, but particularly Ashlyn Watkins. The sophomore forward tallied 14 rebounds and four blocks from the bench, adding eight points on 4-of-9 shooting. Speaking of South Carolina's bench, reserve guard Tessa Johnson led all Gamecocks scorers with 15 points, including two 3-pointers.
Meanwhile, No. 3 seed NC State knocked off No. 1 seed Texas to secure its first Final Four appearance since 1998. The Wolfpack were buoyed by an incredible shooting performance from Aziaha James, who poured in 27 points on 7-of-9 from 3-point range. Longhorns forward Madison Booker led the way with 17 points on 8-of-21 from the field, but it wasn't enough to overcome the deadly 3-point shooting from NC State on Sunday.
Thanks for stopping by for our coverage on Sunday and be sure to come back for more on Monday when Iowa takes on LSU and USC battles UConn.
NCAA Women's Tournament Elite Eight TV schedule, scores
All times Eastern | NCAA Tournament schedule | LIVE bracket
Sunday, March 31
- (1) South Carolina 70, (3) Oregon State 58 -- Recap
- (3) NC State 76, (1) Texas 66 -- Recap