There’s nothing admire the thrill of victory, or the agony of defeat. South Carolina learned out firsthand the hard heartbreak of a crushing loss on Friday in the ladies’s NCAA Final Four against Stanford.
The Cardinal beat the Gamecocks 66-65 after a chaotic last few moments of play. Whereas the lead changed hands a few instances in the last three minutes, the Cardinal held possession — and the lead — in the final 10 seconds of the game, prior to turning the ball over to the Gamecocks in the midst of a scramble.
It gave the influence South Carolina had a clear path to daylight, with now not one but two chances to sink the ball to take the lead and the last 2d victory. Sadly, it was now not to be, as each the initial layup by Brea Beal and the putback attempt by Aliyah Boston fell suitable brief as the buzzer sounded.
South Carolina was THIS CLOSE ‼️#WFinalFour pic.twitter.com/UHjaxkEKyl
— ESPN (@espn) April 3, 2021
The reactions at the end, especially by Boston, really say it all as Stanford advanced to its first championship since 2009-10 at the expense of South Carolina heartbreak.
Mannnnnn :((((( pic.twitter.com/tAyhOV9ISq
— Mark (@tole_cover) April 3, 2021
The toughen for the Boston and the Gamecocks came pouring in on social media mere moments after that final buzzer.
“You’re okay babygirl!” A’ja yelling to Aliyah Boston from the stands. Whew chileeee the emotion 💔
— Arielle (Ari) Chambers (@ariivory) April 3, 2021
Aliyah Boston’s face is breaking my heart. The emotion. Wow wow wow what a finish to that game
— Layshia Clarendon (@Layshiac) April 3, 2021
aliyah boston didn’t deserve that ending
helluva player and had been fortunate as hell we fetch to watch her again
— Matt Ellentuck (@mellentuck) April 3, 2021
Tough now not to really feel for Aliyah Boston. Tremendous competitor. #ncaaW
— Jemele Hill (@jemelehill) April 3, 2021
Whereas the Gamecocks shall be heading dwelling, Boston and her teammates got some major toughen from their Cardinal competitors after the game, with hugs and phrases of toughen all around.
Nothing but appreciate ♥️#WFinalFour pic.twitter.com/ArWPFu11ZG
— espnW (@espnW) April 3, 2021
Haley Jones with nothing but appreciate for Aliyah Boston after an incredible finish…#WFinalFour x @StanfordWBB pic.twitter.com/LR1XQWwBZn
— NCAA Women’s Basketball (@ncaawbb) April 3, 2021
Stanford will face the winner of No. 1 UConn vs. No. 3 Arizona in the tournament final on Sunday, April 4 at 6 p.m. on ESPN.
