'Coach Wanted Me To Have The Ball': Chloe Kitts Narrates What Happened In The South Carolina Huddle During Epic Win

“Coach drew up a play and then she said the ball is going to get to me,” Kitts said. “So I walked out there and I was like ‘Pao can you get the ball? Can you get the ball?’ And Pao’s like ‘Girl what? Go get the ball.’”

“So then I got the ball and then I went to the line. I was just taking a deep breath and then I told myself that my coach wanted me to have the ball at the end of the game because she knows I can make my free throws. I told myself that I’m really good at basketball and I made both of them.”

The South Carolina Gamecocks secured a hard-fought 54-50 victory over the Duke Blue Devils in the Elite Eight, advancing to their fifth consecutive Final Four. The game, held at Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Alabama, was a defensive battle, with both teams struggling to find an offensive rhythm.

The Gamecocks, typically known for their high-scoring offense, were held significantly below their season average due to Duke’s defensive pressure, which forced 16 turnovers. Despite facing a 42-38 deficit entering the final quarter, South Carolina outscored Duke 16-8 in the fourth quarter to secure the victory.

Chloe Kitts played a pivotal role in the Gamecocks’ victory, earning MVP honors for her performance. She scored 14 points, including eight crucial points in the fourth quarter, and sank two clutch free throws with 5.7 seconds remaining to seal the game. Kitts also contributed four rebounds and showcased her composure under pressure, stepping up when her team needed her most.

Gamecocks HC Praises Chloe Kitts Journey: “Unbelievable”

In the same presser, Gamecocks head coach Dawn Staley praised Chloe Kitts for how far she has gone since hoping the South Carolina program.

“She’s grown in every aspect of her life. Mentally, physically, emotionally,” Staley said. “We have grown-up conversations and I can’t believe it sometimes because (of) how she came in. Now she is really thought-provoking. She is really asking all the right things.”

So far this season, Chloe Kitts is averaging 10.1 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game. Her shooting efficiency is impressive, with a field goal percentage of 52.9% and free throw accuracy at 82.4%.