Lawson and Dawn Staley Understand the Reality of Gritty NCAA Tournament Wins
Winning in the NCAA Tournament is never easy, and sometimes victories don’t come in the most polished fashion. Duke head coach Kara Lawson and South Carolina’s Dawn Staley are well aware of this reality, having led their teams through tough, hard-fought battles where execution isn’t always perfect, but resilience makes the difference.
In March Madness, teams are often tested to their limits, facing relentless opponents, unexpected challenges, and high-pressure moments. While dominant performances are celebrated, many teams advance through sheer determination, grinding out wins even when their shots aren’t falling, or their defensive schemes aren’t flawless. Both Lawson and Staley have embraced this aspect of tournament play, understanding that surviving and advancing is all that matters.
Lawson, guiding Duke’s program, has emphasized the importance of staying mentally strong when games don’t go according to plan. Similarly, Staley, who has built South Carolina into a powerhouse, knows that even championship teams must endure ugly victories to reach their ultimate goal. Experience teaches that in a single-elimination format, any win—no matter how scrappy—is crucial.
Fans and analysts may scrutinize the aesthetics of a team’s performance, but coaches and players understand that postseason success often comes down to toughness, composure, and adaptability. As the tournament continues, both Duke and South Carolina will rely on these qualities, proving that even the ugliest wins can pave the way to a championship.
