Internet Loses Its Collective Mind Over Tennessee's Defense On South Carolina Buzzer-Beater

While the college basketball world was paying attention to Caitlin Clark in the Big Ten Women's Tournament, the South Carolina women were on the brink of losing their first game of the season, until Tennessee's defense fumbled that final play of regulation. 

There weren't many folks thinking this game would come down to the final shot, given that the Gamecocks were up 23 points at one point in the game. But, Tennessee ended up fighting back in the second half to cause the pro-Gamecock crowd to start preparing for the worst. 

If you were wondering what could happen when you draw up a really bad defensive play with the lead, the Vols should now be a case study for years to come. Leading 73-71 and with two fouls to give, Tennessee took advantage of the scenario and forced the Gamecocks to in-bound the ball with just one second remaining on the clock. 

GREENVILLE, S.C. - Kamilla Cardoso of the South Carolina Gamecocks hits a buzzer beater three-point basket to win their game over the Tennessee Lady Vols.  (Photo by Eakin Howard/Getty Images)

Vols head coach Kellie Harper was certainly not paying attention to South Carolina's Kamilla Cardoso on the final play, with her defense giving Cardoso all the space in the world to throw up a shot. Even though the Gamecocks center had never hit a three-point shot in her career, head coach Dawn Staley told her to give it a go. 

So, with just one second remaining, and a potential upset brewing, the Gamecock fans were about to witness one of the crazier ends to a basketball game we've seen this season. Thanks to the Tennessee defense, Kamilla Cardoso was WIDE open for the last second shot, which she drained off the backboard. 

Those were just a few of the thousands of reactions to this final play in the SEC Tournament semifinal. 

The first-ever three-pointer made for Cardoso, South Carolina players rushed the court in celebration, while Tennessee head coach Kellie Harper could only put her head down, knowing how bad that defense was in the final second. 

On the brink of one of the biggest upsets we've seen this season, the Volunteers decided to let a shooter stand wide open for the final shot. It shouldn't matter how many three-pointers Cardoso had made prior to this game, you don't leave a player that wide open for a potential game-winner. 

I think it's fair to say Tennessee will never draw-up that type of defense on a final play again.