📰 NEWS FLASH: Behind the scenes with South Carolina: How a historic senior class stays calm under NCAA pressure ⚡.BT

As the NCAA Tournament hurtles toward its climax, South Carolina faces a formidable test: a battle against a seasoned Maryland squad in the Sweet 16. Ahead of the showdown, star guard Saia Feagin sat down to share the intensity, mindset, and unshakable focus driving her team.

“I’m expecting Maryland to play for 40 minutes straight,” Feagin warned, eyes blazing with determination. “They’re a battle-tested team, and they’ll give it everything the whole game. But we’re ready to match them every step of the way.”

The Gamecocks’ path to this point hasn’t been without challenges. Their second-round matchup against Indiana tested their limits—but Feagin sees those hurdles as essential preparation for a championship run. “It’s good to have a challenge early,” she explained. “It pushes you to figure out what’s working and forces you to stick with it. Every game, you go harder, you learn, and you adapt.”

This senior class carries the weight of history, already owning two national championships—the most in South Carolina history. Yet Feagin emphasizes that success in this tournament demands more than talent: it requires discipline, composure, and a level-headed mindset. “You can’t get too high with the highs or too low with the lows. You have to play hard, stay disciplined, and follow the game plan every possession.”

Reflecting on the Indiana game, Feagin noted one area for improvement: efficiency in scoring. “We need to clean up the no-buckets, make sure we get a score every time we go down the court.” But on the flip side, the team’s defensive intensity has been a source of pride. “Our defense is relentless,” she said. “We keep our foot on the gas, and that pressure has been key to our wins.”

Tomorrow, the stage is set: South Carolina versus Maryland in Birmingham, a matchup that promises high-octane action, relentless pressure, and the kind of intensity only the Sweet 16 can deliver. For Feagin and the Gamecocks, it’s not just about playing—it’s about proving why champions are made when the stakes are at their highest.