March Madness: Boston, South Carolina women reach Final Four

GREENVILLE, S.C. (AP) — Aliyah Boston had 22points and 10 rebounds, Zia Cooke scored 18 points and top-seededSouth Carolina used its smothering defense to take control in thesecond quarter, outlasting second-seeded Maryland 86-75 on Mondaynight to reach its third straight Final Four.

Coach Dawn Staley’s team improved to 36-0 this season with its42nd straight victory dating to last year’s NCAA title run. TheGamecocks are now two games away from repeating as champions andcompleting the 10th undefeated season in the women’s game.

South Carolina will play Iowa and do-it-all star Caitlin Clarkin the national semifinals in Dallas on Friday night.

The Gamecocks hugged and jumped when it was over. It’s the fifthFinal Four since 2015, all under Staley. She’ll try for her thirdnational title next week.

Boston, the 6-foot-5 senior, made 10 of 14 shots. The three-timeAll-American added five assists and blocked two shots.

Maryland (28-7) was routed at home, 81-56, by the Gamecocks lastNov. 11, but played without injured All-American DiamondMiller.

With a healthy Miller and an offense averaging nearly 80 pointsa game, the Terrapins were ready to take on the big, imposingGamecocks. Maryland pushed the pace early, disrupting SouthCarolina’s No. 1 defense and was ahead 21-15 as an edgy,pro-Gamecock crowd wasn’t sure what it was watching.

South Carolina didn’t panic. Cooke shook off an 0-for-3 start toscore nine points. Boston was her steady self with 12 points in thehalf as the Gamecocks outscored the Terps 23-9 in the secondquarter to lead 38-30 at halftime.

Maryland got two quick baskets after the break to cut SouthCarolina’s lead to 48-42. But the Gamecocks answered with a 14-3burst to take control for good.

Miller led the Terps, looking for their first trip to the FinalFour since 2015, with 24 points.

Maryland shot 50% for the game, yet couldn’t hold up down lowagainst the Gamecocks. South Carolina outrebounded the Terps 48-26and 25-7 on the offensive glass.

BIG PICTURE

Maryland: Terps have seven seniors, including Miller and fourother starters. But Shyanne Sellers is a rising sophomore andlikely focal point for Maryland the next couple of seasons. Expectcoach Brenda Frese to work hard in the offseason to scour theportal for additions who can augment Maryland’s young roster.

South Carolina: These are certainly the glory days for Gamecockswomen’s basketball. Maryland gave Iowa a glimpse into what mayrattle the Gamecocks, although they quickly adjusted to gaincontrol. But tightening up to prevent easy layups the Terps gotearly will certainly be a focus at South Carolina’s practices thisweek.