🏀 Paopao Shines on Both Ends of the Court
Senior guard Te-Hina Paopao had a standout performance in the Final Four match, scoring a team-high 14 points and making two important steals. She hit 5 out of 6 shots, including three 3-pointers, and made her presence felt with tough, energetic defense.
Paopao’s first steal came early in the game, and she also scored the team’s first points — helping her team shake off a slow start.
🔒 Defense Wins Games: Meet the “Seatbelt Gang”
Paopao’s defense was so strong that she was welcomed into South Carolina’s elite defender group known as the “Seatbelt Gang.”
The group, created by Raven Johnson and Bree Hall, is all about lockdown defense.
“We’re lock-down defenders. Don’t come on our island,” Johnson said. “You’re going to have to make a tough shot.”
Paopao was officially added to the Seatbelt Gang after her standout performance against Indiana, where she recorded more blocks than three-pointers.
🧠 Why South Carolina Stands Out
- South Carolina held Texas to just 9 points in the third quarter.
- Coach Dawn Staley praised Paopao’s growth on defense, saying she worked hard to improve that part of her game.
- Paopao wanted to redeem herself after missing a free throw and made up for it with a clutch steal and layup.
“I wanted to redeem myself,” Paopao said. “That’s what I did.”
🏆 What’s Next?
South Carolina will now play in the NCAA Women’s Basketball National Championship game on Sunday at 3 p.m. ET. Their opponent will be the winner of the UCLA vs. UConn semifinal.
This will be Paopao’s final college game, and she’ll be giving it everything — especially on defense.
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