Posted 04/02/17, 10:17 PM | By: Anthony  Mazur

DALLAS (AM News Net)  – The stage was set for arguably one of the most historic underdog stories in NCAA Women's Basketball history. Just days before, the Mississippi State Bulldogs (34-4) pulled off an incredible 66-64 victory over the UConn Huskies, who haven't been defeated in 111 games. 

The semifinals game, ending after an OT buzzer-beater by 5'5" junior Morgan William, propelled the Bulldogs into serious national spotlight, and once again highlighted the extraordinary shooting capabilities of Mississippi State. Before entering the Final Four, the Bulldogs knocked out Baylor in the Elite Eight rounds, credited as well to their shooting, especially from outside the three-point line, where they shot at 50%.

Now tonight, Mississippi State met with the South Carolina Gamecocks (32-4), who also turned around a losing game against Stanford in the semifinals, for the 36th time. South Carolina leads the all-time series between the two SEC teams 19-16, and a win for either team would mean the first national title in either program's history. 

In the end, the South Carolina Gamecocks took home the hardware with a 67-55 victory over the Mississippi State Bulldogs.

Mississippi State started almost as if on cue, sinking a three pointer to start the game. South Carolina managed to tie at 14-14, and took the lead for the first time of the night after a foul allowed free-throws to bring the score to 16-14, South Carolina.

The Bulldogs seemed to be rolling over, until the end of the third quarter, in which a renewed effort on their offense brought them back into the game. The Gamecocks, turning over the ball, lost out on offensive opportunities, resulting in only 16 points made in the third quarter, compared to 18 each in the first and second.

However, the lead taken by South Carolina in the first quarter was the only lead change in the entire game. 

South Carolina junior A'ja Wilson led in shooting at 9-15, scoring 23 points. The Gamecocks also were able to shoot with more precision: both teams made 55 attempts, but the Bulldogs only sunk 19, compared to the Gamecocks' 25.

"I really can't even put into words the feeling of how much it meant to win this game for Coach," South Carolina junior A'ja Wilson said. "She's put in so much time, so much sweat, just voiced her voice into us, just prepping for times like this."

South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley, the second African-American coach to win a title, the first being Carolyn Peck from Purdue in 1999. Further, the win has been long-sought after, as Staley had been to the Women's Final Four three times as a player herself, none of which turned into victories.

"You know, basketball has been an incredible gift, you know, that keeps on giving," Staley said,I don't know why, but I do work hard at this. It is my passion. It is my livelihood. It is something that brings me a great deal of joy."

Staley explained that she knew how the Bulldogs would operate during the game and needed to win by going on the offensive.

"Well, with Mississippi State, we've played them," she said. "This is our third time playing them, so we know exactly the things that create edges for us throughout the game."

Staley thinks the success of the basketball culture helped in some degree at the collegiate level.

"You look back on a culture of excellence of a USA basketball system, and you just try to use that as an imprint on this level," Staley said.

Next year's Women's Final Four will be held in Columbus, Ohio.

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