The Gamecocks make it back to the Final Four as the Duke ladies push South Carolina to the limit.

The South Carolina Gamecocks continued their dominant run in the NCAA tournament, punching their ticket to the Final Four with a hard-fought victory over the Duke Blue Devils. While the Gamecocks have thrived all season behind their established stars, it was forward Sania Feagin who stepped up in a critical moment, providing a performance that will be remembered as a defining chapter in South Carolina’s postseason campaign.

Feagin’s Breakout Performance on the Big Stage

Sania Feagin, a junior forward known for her defensive presence and hustle plays, seized the opportunity to shine when the stakes were highest. With the game hanging in the balance and Duke mounting a late comeback attempt, Feagin’s contributions on both ends of the floor ensured South Carolina stayed in control.

She finished the game with an impressive stat line: 15 points, 9 rebounds, and 3 blocks, showcasing her versatility and ability to impact the game beyond just scoring. Feagin’s effort was particularly crucial in the third quarter, when the Blue Devils cut the lead to single digits. Her timely baskets, combined with her defensive intensity, swung the momentum back in South Carolina’s favor.

“I just wanted to do whatever I could to help my team win,” Feagin said after the game. “I knew we needed stops, I knew we needed rebounds, and I just played with all my heart.”

Duke’s Relentless Effort

The Duke Blue Devils refused to go down without a fight, making this one of the most challenging games South Carolina has faced all tournament. Duke’s guards were aggressive on both ends, forcing the Gamecocks into uncharacteristic turnovers and making them work for every basket. Olivia McGhee led the charge for Duke, scoring 18 points and keeping her team within striking distance throughout the game.

Duke’s physicality and tenacity pushed South Carolina to the limit, particularly in the fourth quarter, when the Gamecocks’ lead shrank to just four points. The Blue Devils’ defensive schemes slowed down South Carolina’s high-powered offense, and their three-point shooting kept them within reach until the final minutes.

Coach Dawn Staley’s Praise for Feagin and Her Team

Head coach Dawn Staley has always emphasized the importance of every player on her roster being ready for their moment. Feagin’s emergence in the Elite Eight was a testament to that philosophy.

“Sania has been putting in the work all season,” Staley said in the postgame press conference. “Sometimes people overlook the little things she does, but tonight, she showed everyone just how valuable she is to this team. She stepped up when we needed her, and that’s what championship teams do—they have players who rise to the occasion.”

Feagin’s ability to step up when called upon is a reflection of South Carolina’s depth. The Gamecocks have relied on their bench throughout the tournament, and Feagin’s impact against Duke reinforced the idea that they are far from a one- or two-player team.

South Carolina’s Defensive Dominance

The Gamecocks’ defense has been a hallmark of their success all season, and their Elite Eight clash with Duke was no exception. Feagin played a significant role in South Carolina’s ability to limit the Blue Devils’ offensive efficiency, particularly in the paint. Her three blocks disrupted Duke’s attempts to establish an interior presence, and her rebounding ensured that the Gamecocks controlled second-chance opportunities.

Duke’s leading scorer, Olivia McGhee, struggled to find her rhythm against South Carolina’s suffocating defense. Feagin’s length and quickness made it difficult for Duke to generate clean looks inside, forcing them into contested jump shots for much of the game.

“Our defense is what fuels us,” Feagin said. “We know that if we get stops, we can run and play our game. Coach Staley always tells us that defense wins championships, and that’s what we’re focused on.”

Turning Point: Feagin’s Third-Quarter Spark

With South Carolina leading by just five points midway through the third quarter, Duke appeared poised to make a run. That’s when Feagin delivered a sequence that effectively changed the game’s trajectory.

First, she grabbed an offensive rebound and converted a tough putback while getting fouled, completing the three-point play at the free-throw line. On the very next defensive possession, she swatted away a Duke layup attempt, igniting a fast break that led to an easy bucket for the Gamecocks. Moments later, she knocked down a mid-range jumper, forcing Duke to call a timeout as the South Carolina crowd erupted.

This stretch not only energized her teammates but also deflated Duke’s confidence. From that point on, South Carolina maintained control and never let Duke get closer than seven points for the remainder of the contest.

Feagin’s Growth and Confidence

Feagin’s journey at South Carolina has been one of steady improvement. A highly touted recruit coming out of high school, she faced tough competition for playing time early in her career. However, under Staley’s guidance, she has developed into a reliable contributor, particularly on the defensive end.

“I’ve learned so much from Coach Staley and the older players on this team,” Feagin said. “Every day in practice, I try to get better, and I know my role. But I also know that when my number is called, I have to be ready.”

Her confidence has grown tremendously, and performances like the one against Duke illustrate just how valuable she has become to the team’s success.

Looking Ahead to the Final Four

With the win, South Carolina advances to the Final Four, where they will face another powerhouse program. The Gamecocks are seeking their second national championship under Staley, and if they continue to receive contributions from players like Feagin, their chances look strong.

Staley emphasized that Feagin’s performance in the Elite Eight should serve as a reminder of how deep and talented her squad is.

“We’re not just about one or two players,” Staley said. “Every night, someone new can step up. That’s what makes us dangerous. And tonight, Sania was the one who gave us that extra edge.”

 Feagin’s Moment to Shine

In a game filled with elite talent and high stakes, Sania Feagin’s breakout moment proved to be a defining factor in South Carolina’s victory. While she may not always be the headline star, her performance against Duke cemented her status as a key contributor and a player capable of stepping up when it matters most.

As South Carolina prepares for its Final Four showdown, Feagin’s impact will undoubtedly be a storyline to watch. If her Elite Eight heroics were any indication, she’s ready for the moment—just as she was when her team needed her most.