DALLAS — A’ja Wilson scored a game-high 23 points, grabbed 10 rebounds, and had four blocked shots Sunday to lead the South Carolina women’s basketball team to a 67-55 victory against Mississippi State in the NCAA tournament national title game at American Airlines Center.
Allisha Gray had 18 points, 10 rebounds, and three blocked shots, and Kaela Davis had 10 points to help the Gamecocks (33-4) win their first national title in their first appearance in the championship game.
The victory also was South Carolina’s third this season against MSU (34-5). The margin of victory was the largest in the three games. The win extended the Gamecocks’ winning streak in the series to 11.
Wilson was named the tournament’s Most Outstanding Player. Gray joined her on the all-tournament team.
Victoria Vivians led MSU with 12 points, but she was 4-for-16 from the field. Dominique Dillingham also had 11 for the Bulldogs, who were outrebounded 40-27. The Gamecocks also shot 45.6 percent (25-for-55) from the field. The Bulldogs shot 34.5 percent (19-for-55) from the field.
Vivians and William were named to the all-tournament team. Connecticut’s Gabby Williams rounded out the team.
For more on this game, check back later tonight/early Monday morning for an update. Monday’s print edition of The Dispatch also will have extensive coverage of the game.
Adam Minichino is the former Sports Editor for The Commercial Dispatch.
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