(CNN) The South Carolina Gamecocks continued their incredible unbeaten run with an 86-75 win over the Maryland Terrapins, setting up a blockbuster Final Four duel against Caitlin Clark and the Iowa Hawkeyes.
The defending champions weren’t at their best in the early stages of their Elite Eight duel against the Terrapins, surprisingly falling behind after the first quarter.
As always, Aliyah led Boston from the front and, along with Zia Cooke, helped South Carolina gain control of proceedings in the second quarter.
The reigning Naismith Women’s Player of the Year and Naismith Women’s Defender of the Year had another outstanding season and another impressive performance when it mattered.
Boston scored 22 points and 10 rebounds — her 82nd double-double in college — and led the Gamecocks to their third straight Final Four appearance.
Aliyah Boston (#4) led the Gamecocks with a team-high 22 points.
With the win, South Carolina improved to 36-0 this season and extended its winning streak to 42 straight, dating back to last year’s national championship season.
When asked if this South Carolina roster was the best team she’s ever coached, Gamecocks head coach Dawn Staley said, “I mean, this team has been to three straight Final Fours. I think they’re different from any other team we’ve been a part of.”
Staley will know her team needs to be at their best in the Final Four to keep Clark from stealing the show from the Hawkeyes.
Clark became the first player in NCAA tournament history — whether male or female — to hit a 40-point triple-double to lead Iowa to its first Final Four appearance since 1993.
South Carolina beat the UConn Huskies to win the NCAA women’s championship last year.
Elsewhere, the Virginia Tech Hokies advanced to their first Final Four in program history with an 84-74 win over the No. 3 Ohio State Buckeyes.
Led by Elizabeth Kitley’s double-double and Georgia Amoore’s 24 points, the Hokies bounced back from a deficit in the first quarter to seal the Elite Eight win.
“It’s so huge. I can’t even speak right now, I can’t believe it,” Amoore told the ESPN show of what it meant to make the program’s first Final Four.
“Ohio State is such an incredible team and this game was phenomenal and I’m just so happy for us and the program.”
The Virginia Tech Hokies advanced to their first Final Four in program history.
The Hokies face the No. 3 LSU Tigers in the Final Four, who look to continue their March Madness run.