As South Carolina prepares for its first Final Four appearance, sports editor Bobby Balboni reflects on the rise of South Carolina's men's basketball and argues that, above all else, Frank Martin's leadership was the driving force in its climb.
Kaela Davis compiled 23 points the Gamecocks Elite Eight win.
After earning a reputation for having one of the most physical defenses in the country, South Carolina made several critical stops in the deciding minutes of Sunday's Final Four victory over Florida.
The Gamecocks trusted in each other and Frank Martin all season, and it's paid off in a huge way in the NCAA Tournament.
South Carolina's trio of guards from the Columbia area are taking their beloved childhood team to the Final Four for the first time in program history.
I questioned this team a lot throughout the season. Individual players, or the team as a whole — I did not have faith in them entirely. Yet in their Final Four run, these Gamecocks have shot down every negative story line that had been stuck on them throughout the season, and proved themselves worthy of everything they have accomplished this season.
With a 77-70 win over No. 4 Florida at Madison Square Garden on Sunday, the South Carolina men's basketball team is Final Four bound for the first in program history.
After falling behind with a Friday night loss, South Carolina closed out its series with consecutive victories.
The Gamecocks earned their first walk-off win since 2015 to take game two of a three-game set with Alabama.
Behind Kaela Davis's 28 points, A'ja Wilson's 24, and Allisha Gray's 19, South Carolina defeated Quinnipiac and advanced to the Elite 8.
For the Gamecocks and Gators, staying in the moment will be key to advancing to the Final Four.
Defense has carried both South Carolina and Florida to the Elite Eight, and points will likely be at a premium in Madison Square Garden Sunday.
Believe it: South Carolina will play Sunday for a shot to make the Final Four.
Sophomore big man Chris Silva was a key factor in locking down Baylor's leading scorer Jonathan Motley Friday night.
South Carolina's eight-game win streak was snapped by Alabama Friday night.
South Carolina never looked back after taking a double-digit lead in the first half, upsetting Baylor in a 70-50 blowout.
Adam Orfinger and Carson Mason break down the three keys to victory for both South Carolina and Baylor before Friday's Sweet 16 showdown.
