Assessment? 32 matches, 32 victories. The University of South Carolina will arrive at “March Madness” with a clean sheet after its victory Sunday 79-72 against LSU, synonymous with the SEC conference title. But this coronation has a bittersweet taste for the Gamecocks, since four players were excluded in the fourth quarter, including Kamilla Cardoso, the heroine of the previous round, following an altercation with several Louisiana State players.
Following an interception by MiLaysia Fulwiley, top scorer of the match 24 points, in the hands of Flau'jae Johnson just over two minutes from the final buzzer, the latter took revenge by shoving her opponent. A scuffle ensued, during which Kamilla Cardoso pushed Flau'jae Johnson to the ground, before the two benches intervened by entering the field. Johnson's brother jumped from the scorer's table to come and fight, before being evacuated from the room.
Kamilla Cardoso, Chloe Kitts, Tessa Johnson and Sakima Walker were excluded from South Carolina, as well as the entire LSU bench. Released for “fighting” by the referees, Cardoso will therefore be automatically suspended and she will miss the first meeting of March Madness. The other players should escape more sanctions. “ What you saw were two teams that were extremely competitive, and didn't handle it very well. » admitted South Carolina coach Dawn Staley, while only her six players still playing were able to participate in the trophy presentation.
“ It broke our hearts »reacted Te-Hina Paopao, the Gamecocks player. “ We couldn't have done it without them. It was very hard for us, it was a lot of emotions. We really wanted them to be able to join in the fun. » Kamilla Cardoso, author of victory shot in last-second SEC semifinal against Tennessee, apologized on social networks. “ My behavior was not representative of the person I am or the South Carolina program, and I deeply regret any pain or embarrassment I may have caused. »
The University of South Carolina will be able to recover during “March Madness”, which it will approach as the big favorite starting March 20. And meet LSU again, defending champion, still carried by Angel Reese, and reinforced this season by leader Hailey Van Lith.
