:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/69066149/usa_today_15822531.0.jpg)
The Stanford Cardinal have reached the Final Four of the 2021 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament, but the hard work is just beginning, as they are scheduled to square off against South Carolina in the tournament semifinal Friday afternoon.
Stanford made the Final Four with a wild comeback victory over Louisville on Sunday. After a truly awful 1st half for the Cardinal, they dug deep and completely flipped the script, turning a 12-point deficit at halftime into a 15-point win by the end of the game. It was a thrilling game in the end for Stanford, but they know they can’t count on one good half to get by their next opponent.
South Carolina is a fellow No. 1 seed in this tournament and their Elite Eight game couldn’t have been more different than Stanford’s, as they absolutely rolled over Texas 62-34. Dawn Staley’s team doesn’t roll nearly as deep as Tara VanDerveer’s Stanford, but they use a similar balanced approach in games, looking for different players to step up given the game state or matchup.
Stanford are a very good team and they are capable of going to the title game, but this is definitely their toughest opponent of the season to date. Crisp execution, good defense, as much resilience as is needed, and they’ll be in the tournament final. But this is a day to absolutely bring the Cardinal’s A-game if they want to extend their season one more game. Bring it on.
How to Watch Stanford vs. South Carolina:
When: Friday, Apr. 2, 3 p.m. PT
Where: Alamodome, San Antonio, Texas
How to watch: ESPN, FuboTV