(1) South Carolina vs (5) Tennessee | 2024 SEC Tournament: Semifinals | 3.9.24

GREENVILLE, S.C. (AP) - March 9th, 2024
South Carolina coach Dawn Staley knew her first option for a game-winning, outside shot, Te-Hina Paopao, would be bottled up by Tennessee.
So she demanded from the sideline her leading scorer and rebounder, Kamilla Cardoso, do what she’d been reluctant to her whole career: “Shoot it!”
Cardoso finally listened, banking home a desperation shot at the buzzer for her first-ever 3-pointer to rescue No. 1 South Carolina’s perfect season with a 74-73 win over the Lady Vols in the Southeastern Conference Tournament semifinals on Saturday.
“I added a couple more words that I can’t mention,” Staley said about her order to Cardoso, the 6-foot-7 forward who had only attempted one long-range shot in her career as a Syracuse freshman before this.
“Coach told Kamilla to shoot the ball and Kamilla shoots the ball with confidence,” said point guard Raven Johnson, who passed in to Cardoso at the top of the key.
The Gamecocks (31-0) had blown a 23-point lead and trailed the Lady Vols (19-12) 73-71 with 1.1 seconds left.
“I knew with the players we had on the floor, pretty much the only person who was going to be open was Kamilla,” Staley said. “So I just told Raven (Johnson) to get the ball to Kamilla. And I told Kamilla, ‘Hey, pass it to (Te-Hina) Paopao,’ and then at the last second I was like, ‘Kamilla, shoot it.’”
Cardoso was mobbed by her joyous teammates as the large South Carolina crowd - the campus is only about a 100-mile drive from the Greenville arena - cheered in celebration.
“I was very happy my teammates believed in me,” Cardoso said. “I didn’t have best game I could have, off all night. I was happy I could make the shot and take them to the finals.”
Cardoso was playing in front of her mom and sister who came up from Brazil to celebrate senior day with her last weekend. This week was their first chance to see her play in person since she left the country at age 15.

[@lalamurray1777]

I’ve watched the last 5 seconds an unhealthy amount of times I’m rooting for SC 🎉

[@leanamohamed7918]

This is me 😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@karenrichardson595]

We all are still watching 😂

[@lalamurray1777]

😂 good so I wasn’t the only one

[@jimmyjackson2361]

Same here. I was trying to figure out what TN was doing. I’ve heard all the excuses and still can’t figure it out. Starting with the foul with 1.1 seconds on the clock. 🤔

[@lalamurray1777]

@@jimmyjackson2361 I truly believe they thought it was impossible for SC to win at that point.. which is crazy bc SC is the #1 team for a reason

[@BackendBleek]

The shot heard around the world…. BANG!! Poor defense

[@RGibson116]

😂!

[@Marie-yd3mk]

OMGGGGGGGGGG THT LAST SECOND WAS EVERYTHING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Great game, everyone 💙

[@Dorian-o8x]

Who better to inbound the ball but Raven Johnson... She a true distributor

[@kjones1]

Game had my anxiety going crazy but Go Cocks 🐔🐔😮‍💨😮‍💨

[@mrgn237]

Somebody said teams cannot win against SC cause they don’t play tuff the whole game. This is the perfect exemple.

[@drakeandre3460]

How the f... do u fail to defend one second, and leave all that space for a pass to even happen. 🤔

[@PlayboiBreezeTV]

If “F” around and find out was on display…😮😮😮

[@Msklg]

😂😂😂😂

[@carlosdossantos917]

A Kim Mulkey coached team wouldn't have sagged off the inbounds pass. You don't let Raven have that kind of view, and certainly you try to steal that type of pass. Cardoso should've never even got that ball much less had the chance to shoot it. But that was a great shot! Coaching 101...How NOT to defend a last second play: no one on the ball. No one guarding ANYONE... and basically a staring at SC as if to say. "No... yiu wouldn't dare shoot that, would you?" Um, yes.

[@janictealbert4010]

Actually, most coaches, about 99.9%, would have played it the same. South Carolina is very athletic, and you don't want to lose to a simple cut route by that freshman Fulwiley. -You protect the rim from that. The center has never even shot a jumper, furthermore than a 3 pointer. She seemed more out of position to draw your Big's out. She just hit a big shot. That's all.

[@melanindevine]

THOS IS THE WORST LOSS IN NCAAWB, IN THE LAST DECADE THEY LITERALLY HAD THE W JUST HAD TO GET THE BALL IN AND LET THEM FOUL, BRUH ONLY 1 WAY THIS MAKES SENSE, WHAT A SHAME DAMN TENN......

[@adrianamassey4445]

Wtf guard everyone to the last sec 🤦🏾‍♀️

[@rihrih2013]

I’ve watched the last 3.7 seconds at least 100 times. Tennessee’s coach was SICK 🤢

[@karenrichardson595]

Up until 1am 😂watching

[@mathurind3]

The pain Tennessee coach had at the end was real. I’m just confused why Jackson didn’t go guard at the end. Smh

[@HonestLeighSpeaking]

It wasn’t on Jackson. It was on Key the center. But I think the coach told them to stay low bc Camila had NEVER shot and SC was more than likely to get a tip in. That could have also been why she was so sick at the end. Tbh she didn’t play Jackson correctly this entire year until the tournament. But great win for SC and agonizing defeat for Tenn.

[@RGibson116]

​@@HonestLeighSpeakingI agree😊!

[@MichealJames-b7n]

lol she had never made a 3 in her career and she’s a senior 😂that’s why

[@sossa.t9164]

they underestimated her.

[@MichealJames-b7n]

@@sossa.t9164 ok calm down 😂.. let’s not act like it wasn’t luck and that she wasn’t calling glass .. . Slow down lol

[@HonestLeighSpeaking]

WAAAAAOOOOOOWWW!!! As a SC fan, I wanna 🫡 Tenn! Jackson was a BEAST! And for those who are wondering why Jackson appeared lax when Camilla hit that game winning shot: 1- Camilla was NOT Jackson’s man. It was Key’s man. 2- what if the coach told them to stay back in order to protect the rim (bc sc 3 were NOT there through out the game, SC is known for at the rim action and Camilla NEVER shot a 3 in Her WHOLE career), and that explains why she was so sick. Just a few thoughts. Great win for SC But agonizing defeat for Tenn.

[@richardWoods-m6g]

If Kelly Harper did say that well then she got what she deserved I mean leaving player of the year wide open well enjoy your ride home Tennessee

[@RGibson116]

​@@richardWoods-m6gI agree, but I don't think she provided any strategic guidance.

[@medicalpiff803]

Phuck Tennessee! Phuck rocky top lame a$$ song! Go Cocks! We ain’t friends with yall! Gamecocks vs everybody!! #803

[@datsjadajee]

Didn’t even attempt to take her time on the free-throws smh. Game was in the bag despite the made 3. Then no kinda defense just standing there 😂

[@janictealbert4010]

She was tired and probably anxious. I believe she was tired and that what her effort had looked like to me even before she shot the free throws.

[@datsjadajee]

@@janictealbert4010 Nah they just thought they won already. Always play til the end. Ms. Staley wouldn’t have left anyone open like that in a close game like that

[@hanksummers6768]

My question is around the 36:43 mark when the Tennessee player missed the free throw it looks like the SC player who got the ball dribbled with one hand collects ball with both hands than dribbled one hand again so did she double dribble there??? Also I wouldn’t have fouled with 1.1 seconds left like Tennessee did or left that player open. I love Tennessee but this was definitely crushing lost

[@maxhayashi4078]

Yeah, they that the game and the classification for the Final in their pockets, but many terrible decisions made they lose the game and the Championship.

[@richard_M7116]

No one is going to beat SC😂

[@38calibercoffee]

(36:22) The early celebration.

[@RGibson116]

Exactly!

[@Plug-Me-In]

LMAO I wonder how they feel...

[@maxhayashi4078]

Tennesse and all the supporters counted as a won game...that was crucial for the defeat.

[@littybitty8692]

Kamilla Cardoso Player Of The Year Her already, she deserves it🔥🤌🏼‼️

[@JB-bw8nj]

No she doesn’t! She’s not even the best player on her team.

[@mikeb8443]

I gotta go watch another Tenn. game cause I refuse to believe their HC is really this bad. They lost this one cause of the gameplan.

[@CarlBriggs25]

Nah SC had the luck a championship team needs along the way . Thats what this was .

[@reginacameron3011]

she is not a bad coach in fact hey played SC very hard this year and down to the wirer. THis is a learning fact for SC. They don't get it teams are gunning for them. No matter what happened last year. They are the team to beat this year.

[@CarlBriggs25]

@@reginacameron3011 exactly

[@youllfloat2pennywise344]

​@reginacameron3011 the refs seem to be gunning for SC each and every game

[@helenoftroy1227]

@@youllfloat2pennywise344 Yes, they are.

[@realityassured]

Tennessee coach forget the unwritten rule of sport games "Luck"..Despite scouting reports you don't leave a player unguarded! There was no time for a shot and put back(rebound) if the shot missed with one second on the clock! There was only time for a shot and it was taken by the player they left open to take it! Rule of winners..They play till the last buzzer or whistle as luck is always an element of the game!

[@nataliejordan5179]

Lesson learn defend to the end 😢so many people want SC to lose but GOD say otherwise 🙏🏾

[@maxhayashi4078]

Yeah...they forgot the basics of the basketball.

[@CharlesTaylor-p2n]

South Carolina Great Win Last Night

[@MadisonDavidson-b6d]

why did the girl not guard her smhh.. that’s why they lost 😶

[@twilliams7709]

From the two missed free throws and why the Tennessee center wasn't on top of her, I have no idea why. This is loss is going to hurt with the amount of what if's they are going to have to deal with. I can't even imagine what they are going through for Tennessee.

[@lawzlive]

Amazing buzzer beater and it's her first career three - what a story. But wow it should not have got to that point in the first place... 20+ point deficit should've been the nail in the coffin a long time ago.

[@jimmyjackson2361]

I don’t understand the foul at half court with 1.1 seconds on the clock. It gave SC time to formal a play, and then not to pressure the ball was just a violation of basic basketball. Totally ridiculous!

[@PriscillaEchols]

She even had form shooting that jumper

[@amaurawashington7077]

pour coaching decision 🤦🏽‍♀️

[@RussellCharles-jn4fy]

37:23"When in doubt, use the backboard." ___Don Ryan, Salvation army former basketball coach & teacher to NBA Legend Julius Erving aka "Dr.J."🏀

[@TheCMarsh2]

Terrible decision to have Spear foul…You have 3 seconds left to go full court with no timeouts. I understand they had fouls to give but why give them a chance to orchestrate any offense with an out of bounds play.

[@damiafranklin5140]

why was a time out called with 3 seconds left ???

[@704M]

Exactly!!!! then the missed free throws right after. That was a bad call.

[@pashuntappin6581]

Yea. My thoughts . 🙃

[@704M]

Oh I feel for Tennessee. Both free throws missed back to back 😩 those were the game winners right there.

[@sunshinerobinson1123]

Yep 😮

[@lizpullen5767]

This shows you truly why foul shots are so important

[@Ry-wo2cg]

Rickea Jackson should have at least put a hand up. She was right there!

[@CarlBriggs25]

Right where ? KC was so wide open you could drive a 18 wheeler between them and she prolly won’t make that shot again in 200 attempts 😂😂

[@SERWAAish]

My question was, where was Assistant Coach Khadijah Sessions running off to?🏃🏽‍♀️😂😂😂👏🏾👏🏾💪🏿🏀🐔🐔🤙🤙🤙❤️

[@karenrichardson595]

😂😂😂

[@sosabk5655]

Tennessee should have won based on making at least one out of the two free throws, but if you look closely when SC inbounds the ball after the missed free throws, the guard double dribbles, bringing the ball up. It should have been Tennessee ball ref missed a crucial call.

[@richardWoods-m6g]

😂😂😂 looking for help there buddy.GO GAMECOCKS

[@sosabk5655]

No just facts.

[@alxfonso4924]

i would somewhat agree but its because the ball wasnt technically in her possession

[@richardWoods-m6g]

@@sosabk5655 the facts are cordoso hit a wide open three like her coach drew up on her board an fact it Tennessee stood there watching 😂😂😂 it go in like everyone else .great defense Tennessee yeah good thing you got all 1st team defensive awards lol wow an it was the defence y'all gave away

[@sosabk5655]

​@alxfonso4924 The ball was totally in her possession she got the rebound and dribbled up the court. How is that not having possession? Please explain.

[@maxhayashi4078]

Tennesse's Head coach is the main culprit for their crumbling in the final 1.1s...unforgivable. Nobody guarded either Raven Johnson or Kamilla Cardoso. They forgot the basics of basketball...guarding against opponents.

[@reginacameron3011]

I ,missed the game bc I was working oT. But you know what I may have had a dam heart attack. This shit is bad for us fans. We are just as bad as the damn players and coaches. But you know what I love it and would not change it for shit.

[@youllfloat2pennywise344]

I'm a gamecock and I notice how many times the refs seem to call more fouls against them. Almost as if they will never let sc blow out these teams.

[@maxhayashi4078]

Tenesse were up by 2 with 3.7s left, and they still had 2 Free Throws...In other words, they had the game in their pockets... Then, with 1.1s left, they threw away the game(and the tournament) in the garbage bin.

[@maxhayashi4078]

This was the most impressive come back and most impressive buzzer beater in the World basketball history, because Kamilla Cardoso had never made a 3 pointer in her NCAA career until that moment.

[@toniogrimes529]

played that good the whole game just to let her shoot come on bruh I'm glad she made that shot

[@musikflyy]

😳 SC PLAYED TENN 3X but beat LSU BY 6 points during conference. That awkward feeling is pulling on my shirt.

[@DUCEDP05]

We shout ourselves in the foot , when sc plays their best ball they’re unbeatable so it’s really up to them if they lose or not

[@coldshot1723]

Okay, I get it. You don't contest the inbound pass. But that gives you 5 on 4 on defense! How do you not guard SOMEBODY? Rickea Jackson just stands there in open space and watches! That is one thing that cost Kelly Harper her job.

[@maxhayashi4078]

Many decision makes cost their qualification for the Final...Head coach's bad decisions.

[@ballershanelle]

Where Cardosa was able to be slow, and dominate but that doesn't work in the Wnba.

[@ln1066]

UTK you all tried your best but miracle was not with us today❤ love you all from Thailand

[@JB-bw8nj]

Steve Kerr sister coaching Tennessee

[@demetrianicole1657]

Wow! What a game!!!

[@Plug-Me-In]

Let's go SC!!! Salute to The Lady Vols for a great game. A rematch in the tournament would be great for Women's Basketball.

[@lighthousemaccabee8133]

The refs are horrible...

[@JB-bw8nj]

4 trips up and down the court before play stoppage. Definitely putting the health of the players first.

[@JoideijaLadson]

Tsu suck

[@crazyland12345]

Did she call that glass tho 🤔

[@JordanDiddy]

Tennessee gagged. Lol

[@tonyvillanueva5861]

Is that Pete Carrol?

[@1776patriotfreedom]

36:45 South Carolina got away with a double dribble. 😳

[@rickbataanon7922]

😢😢😢😢