Rusty in crunch time, women's Final Four teams brace for tight games after so many blowouts
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Rusty in crunch time, women's Final Four teams brace for tight games after so many blowouts
"The Gamecocks haven't faced much friction in the NCAA Tournament, winning their four games by an average of 40.3 points. Coach Dawn Staley said the way to stay fresh for late-game situations is to simulate them in practice so that players are comfortable when tense moments come."
"When we took losses throughout the season, I think practices, they shifted. Coach Staley did a good job of ramping up the intensity after the early-season setbacks, holding them to the program's standard that has been built over the past two decades."
The women's NCAA Tournament Final Four showcases powerhouse teams with significant talent and experience. South Carolina has faced some adversity, including losses to Texas and Oklahoma, but has dominated in the tournament. Coach Dawn Staley emphasizes the importance of simulating late-game situations in practice to prepare players for high-pressure moments. Guard Raven Johnson notes that the intensity of practices increased following early-season losses, maintaining the program's high standards. As these teams prepare for the semifinals, they must adapt to potential challenges against equally skilled opponents.
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