During the women's Final Four matchup between South Carolina and North Carolina State, star center Kamilla Cardoso faced a moment of concern when she briefly exited the game due to a right leg injury. However, this setback did not hinder Cardoso's performance as she returned to the court and delivered a dominant display.
Standing tall at 6-foot-7, Cardoso showcased her prowess down low, contributing 22 points and 11 rebounds in just 23 minutes of play. Her remarkable performance played a pivotal role in propelling the unbeaten Gamecocks to a 78-59 victory, securing their spot in the national title game for the second time in three years.
Despite the injury scare, Cardoso exhibited resilience and determination, scoring 12 consecutive points in the second quarter. However, she encountered another moment of worry when she fell to the floor while driving towards the basket late in the period. After a brief pause for evaluation, Cardoso returned to the game in the second half with a renewed determination.
With Cardoso back on the court, South Carolina surged ahead in the third quarter, outscoring North Carolina State 29-6. Cardoso's impactful presence was evident as she made her final field goal with a layup that extended her team's lead to 19 points.
As the Gamecocks secured a comfortable advantage, Cardoso was able to rest on the sideline during the final quarter, watching her team secure the victory. Following the game, the Brazil native displayed a gesture of appreciation to the crowd as she jogged off the court.
Looking ahead, South Carolina will face either Iowa or UConn in the national title game, with Cardoso's health potentially becoming a focal point of attention leading up to the championship matchup.
For more updates on the NCAA women's bracket and comprehensive coverage of March Madness, visit the official AP March Madness bracket and coverage hub.
