The Associated Press awarded State’s senior Victoria Vivians first team All America honors on Monday. Vic Schaefer’s basketball squad has won 36 games and lost one. Since February 26, 2017, it has not lost to any South Carolina team. If the Bulldogs need more motivation, there are plenty of options. Teaira McCowan is a great name to have, especially if you’re a Bulldogs player. The Bulldogs’ McCowan was relegated from the AP’s third All-America team list. This means that those who choose the squad consider at least 10 more players deserving of All-America status. That’s absurd. McCowan proved just how absurd this is Sunday, scoring 23 points and grabbing 21 rebounds to help State win its 89-73 victory against UCLA. McCowan was dominant in the paint, as she was when State beat North Carolina State 71 to 56 in a Sweet 16 matchup. McCowan was able to score 24 points, grab 15 rebounds, block four shots, and make all 11 of her field goals, setting a new NCAA Tournament record. McCowan’s season-long average of nearly 18 points per game and 13 rebounds is even more impressive. McCowan is also averaging 61.1 percent on her field goal attempts, which is far more than any other player on the team. McCowan is the most valuable player on her team. McCowan can sometimes seem like the sun, with nine other planets (players) orbiting around her. It is a 32-member national media committee that selects the AP All America team. Before the NCAA Tournament started, voting was completed. McCowan was voted to the first team by only one of the 32 voters. McCowan and Vivians would tell you that this isn’t about individual honours. They are focused on the ultimate prize, a first-ever national title. It will be a monumental step forward in this direction. State will face 36-2 Louisville, another No. In the national semifinals, State will play 36-2 Louisville, another No. 1 seed, Friday, at 6 p.m. in Columbus. In many ways, Louisville is similar to Mississippi State. The Cardinals are a team that is very similar to Mississippi State in many ways. They have a lot of offensive firepower, but they also excel at defense. They are held to a 37% shooting percentage by their opponents and Louisville has just 16 turnovers per game. Junior Asia Durr was the Cardinals’ All-American, scoring 19 points per game.