Darius Rucker congratulates Dawn Staley, South Carolina on national championship
South Carolina native and country music star Darius Rucker sent his congratulations to Dawn Staley and the team on their national championship. The Gamecocks defeated Iowa by a score of 87-75 to claim their second title in the past three seasons, finishing with an unblemished record.
Rucker took to Twitter moments after to take a victory lap and share his enthusiasm.
What a GREAT season!!! @dawnstaley @GamecockWBB!!!!!!!!! Do your thing!!!!!” Rucker wrote.
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Rucker’s connection with South Carolina goes way back as he started his band “Hootie and the Blowfish” at the university in 1986. The band went on to have six songs that charted on the Billboard Top 100 and Rucker later went on to a solo career.
His love for his home state is evident throughout his music, and he even titled his third album Charleston, SC 1966 after the year and place he was born.
After leading 49-46 at halftime on Sunday, South Carolina locked in defensively in the second half on its way to the win. The Gamecocks held Iowa to only nine points in the third quarter and limited it to just 33.3% shooting in the entire second half.
Tessa Johnson led the way with 19 points off the bench as South Carolina finished with 37 bench points compared to none for the Hawkeyes. Kamilla Cardoso also had a double-double with 15 points and 17 rebounds.
The national championship is the third in the career of coach Dawn Staley, who has been at South Carolina since the 2008-09 season. The Gamecocks have advanced to the Final Four each of the past four years and also finished the 2022-23 regular season undefeated.
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This time, however, they were able to finish it off against the same Iowa team they lost to in the Final Four. One could argue they are beginning to build a dynasty with their success over the past few seasons, much to the liking of fans like Darius Rucker.
Samuel L. Jackson also offers congrats to South Carolina on championship
Praise is showering South Carolina on Sunday after their national title win to finish undefeated on the season. It’s coming in from all corners, including now from Hollywood with Samuel L. Jackson.
Jackson tweeted at Dawn Staley and the Gamecocks on Sunday afternoon following their 87-75 victory over Iowa in the national championship. He thanked her and her team while also referencing an in-state legend that he hopes is enjoying herself after that achievement
“THANK YOU COACH DAWN!!!! THANK YOU SC BALLERS!!!!!” wrote Jackson amongst several emojis. “Ion know boutchall, but DAMN I needed that!!!!!! Somewhere I hope Pearl Moore is smiling.”