Defending national champion South Carolina is set to face Duke in the Elite Eight on Sunday, with the Gamecocks looking to secure their third national title in four seasons. South Carolina coach Dawn Staley acknowledges the pressure that comes with defending a championship, but her team is prepared for the challenge. Duke, on the other hand, is in uncharted territory, playing in its first Elite Eight since 2013. The Blue Devils are coming off a gritty Sweet 16 win over North Carolina and are riding a nine-game winning streak. Both teams have showcased their depth throughout the tournament, with Duke’s leading scorers coming off the bench. South Carolina’s interior game, led by forwards Chloe Kitts and Joyce Edwards, will be a key factor in the matchup. Head coach Kara Lawson of Duke emphasized the importance of adapting to each game’s unique challenges, rather than focusing on style points. With South Carolina’s dominance in the paint and Duke’s resilience, the Elite Eight contest promises to be an exciting battle between two talented teams. As the Gamecocks aim for a historic repeat championship, Duke will look to continue its impressive tournament run and advance to the Final Four.
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