South Carolina coach Dawn Staley made a critical decision during the Southeastern Conference Tournament semifinals that led to a thrilling victory for the No. 1 ranked Gamecocks. With the game on the line and her star player Te-Hina Paopao being defended tightly by Tennessee, Staley called on Kamilla Cardoso to take the shot. Cardoso, who had never attempted a 3-pointer in her career, heeded her coach's directive and banked in a desperation shot at the buzzer to secure a 74-73 win.
The Gamecocks, who held a 23-point lead at one point, found themselves trailing 73-71 with just 1.1 seconds remaining. Staley's strategic move to involve Cardoso in the final play paid off as the forward delivered when it mattered most. The victory was especially sweet for Cardoso, who had her family from Brazil in attendance for the first time since she left home at age 15.
