Dawn Staley Gives Glory To God On Easter Sunday After South Carolina Victory
ALBANY, NY – There are two Elite Eight matchups taking place in Albany on Sunday and Monday, but all eyes are turned toward Monday's National Championship rematch between Iowa and LSU. Still, Dawn Staley and the South Carolina Gamecocks took care of business Sunday, beating Oregon State to continue their quest for an undefeated National Championship season.
The first half was close, with USC leading by only two at the break. But the Gamecocks came out in the third quarter and imposed their will on the Beavers, stretching the lead to double-digits and taking a 12-point advantage into the final 10 minutes.
Oregon State put together a valiant effort in the fourth quarter, but ultimately couldn't overcome the #1 women's college basketball team in the nation. South Carolina held on for a 70-58 victory on Easter Sunday.
Staley appreciated winning this game on a Holy day, but didn't want to put too much emphasis on that.
"Easter Sunday is pretty cool, but we all know who leads -- who's the reason for all seasons -- and we just don't celebrate the victories," Staley said.
"Last year, I thanked God for even the loss because I don't want to be one-sided, and to give Him the glory when it is only befitting for wins.
"Easter is as significant as any other day, but He is risen."
Freshman Tessa Johnson also wanted to deliver a message about her faith following the victory.
"I live through Christ. He lives through me. That's how I am who I am," Johnson said, and she wished the media room a "Happy Easter" before departing, which was echoed by her teammate, Ashlyn Watkins.
South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Dawn Staley celebrates cutting down the net after advancing to the Final Four in the 2024 NCAA Tournament.
(Gregory Fisher/USA TODAY Sports)
Staley spent quite a bit of time during her postgame press conference talking about her strong Christian faith, at one point referencing the Bible.
"I think God has a funny way of dealing with people, and I'm one of His, and for us to lose the way we lost last year and for him to bring us to this point today makes me believe a little bit deeper," Staley said.
"The strength is my faith in who he is because -- I don't know what the Bible verse is, but I know that when you're at your worst and your weakest moments, He's at his best.
"I'm proud of our team, and I don't want to ever not give God the glory for giving us uncommon favor."
Staley and the Gamecocks are undefeated this season, 36-0, and face the N.C. State Wolfpack on Friday in the Final Four in Cleveland with a trip to the National Championship game on the line.