Stanford’s quest for a national championship almost fell out of his control in the final nine seconds of Friday’s Final Four clash with South Carolina in San Antonio.
The Cardinal, however, will play Arizona on Sunday for the third NCAA title in the program’s history, courtesy of two point blank shots missed by Gamecocks in the final frantic moments.
Stanford’s winning streak reached 19 by the smallest margin. The cardinal escaped with a 66-65 victory.
Setting the stage … Destanni Henderson hit a 3-point basket with 39 seconds remaining to put South Carolina at 65-64.
Stanford (30-2) had not lost since the end of the first quarter and would regain the lead seven seconds later. Lexie Hull failed in a rebound attempt, but in a fight for a rebound, Haley Jones cornered the lost ball and dropped a 4.5-meter jump from the left side.
After a turn in South Carolina, Stanford came close to the middle of the court with nine seconds remaining. The ball went to Cameron Brink. She lost him and the Gamecocks had an opportunity to attack quickly.
Brea Beal drove to the bucket, but missed a layup attempt that Hull did a good job of contesting. All-America striker Aliyah Boston grabbed the rebound, but her short follow-up shot bounced off the back edge of the bell.
While South Carolina players seemed skeptical that their season was over, Stanford players seemed elated and relieved that their season would last another game.
“I think our team showed a lot of courage, a lot of heart and it is good to have a little karma on your way,” said Stanford chief coach Tara VanDerveer at his post-game press conference Zoom.
What Stanford had throughout the game were Hull, a junior guard who finished with 18 points and 13 rebounds, and Jones, who scored 24 points, the team’s record, going 11 to 14 on the field.
In Santa Cruz’s second year, Jones is listed as a guard, but he has size, strength, skill in handling the ball and IQ in basketball to play in any position, from the point guard to the center.
In fact, on Thursday, VanDerveer compared Jones to Hall of Fame owner Magic Johnson – which made Jones smile when he learned of that comparison on Friday.
“She never told me that,” said Jones. “Magic Johnson is a legend. … He always seemed so balanced out there and played with so much passion, so much energy. He is the one who is diving into the ground.
“This is the biggest compliment I have ever heard. So, thank you, Tara. Scream, T-Dawg. “
