Dawn Staley on closing national championship game: 'The most important thing is to continue to be disciplined'

South Carolina is 10 minutes away from an undefeated record for a national championship. For the Gamecocks, it’s going to take more of what they’ve done to build their lead against Iowa, specifically on the defensive end.

Dawn Staley spoke with ESPN’s Holly Rowe heading into the fourth quarter about her team’s effort so far. She started by crediting her freshman, Milaysia Fulwiley and Tessa Johnson, for taking all that they have learned this season from their veterans to make an impact on the national title game.

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“It’s all the impact of what their teammates have given them,” Staley said. “They poured energy into them all season long knowing that they were pretty talented, knowing that it was a possibility that they’ll share time with them. This team is pretty special in that they want what’s best for each individual teammates. That’s rare.”

However, to secure the perfect season and the trophy, it’s going to come down to defense. Staley said it’s all about staying sound defensively in order to keep the Hawkeye offense from making a fourth-quarter comeback.

“I mean the most important thing is to continue to be disciplined defensively, continue to contest shots,” said Staley. “I think we’re doing a great job at executing our defensive schemes. Are we going to be perfect at it? No. It’s a really good Iowa team. But, if we can decrease the amount of shots that they get that are uncontested? It increases our chances of winning.”

Staley sporting $5,370 Louis Vuitton jacket for National Championship Game vs. Iowa

Dawn Staley broke out her Sunday best in Cleveland for the national championship game.

The South Carolina head coach donned a $5,370 Louis Vuitton jacket, according to Front Office Sports. The sporty silver zip-up boasts two front pockets and a stylish collar. Look good, coach good.

Staley’s Gamecocks hold a 49-46 lead at halftime over the Iowa Hawkeyes.

Dawn Staley is coaching the national title in a $5,370 Louis Vuitton jacket 🧥 pic.twitter.com/9PZqBqNONk

— Front Office Sports (@FOS) April 7, 2024

This isn’t the first time Staley has flaunted a pricy outfit for a big game. During South Carolina’s win over Indiana in the Sweet Sixteen, the Gamecocks head coach didn’t hesitate to flex what her hard work has earned her. Staley rocked the “Hybrid Leather And Cotton Damier Blouson” from Louis Vuitton, which has a $3,150 price tag.

It’s no problem for Staley, who earns $3.1 million per year, the second-most of any women’s basketball coach in the country.