Plies pleasantly surprised South Carolina coach Dawn Staley with a chain adorned with gems before her team triumphed over Tennessee Tech in the NCAA Tournament kickoff. The custom chain gifted to Staley by Plies, a fervent supporter of the South Carolina Gamecocks, seemed to bring the team good luck. The Gamecocks emerged victorious against Tennessee Tech with an impressive 60-point lead in the first game of the NCAA Tournament on March 21. Prior to the match, the hip-hop artist presented Staley with a stunning necklace designed to resemble the NCAA championship trophy, embellished with the years when South Carolina secured national titles, along with a sparkling basketball. The pendant also featured a touching message on the back honoring Staley. Showing off the eye-catching accessory courtside, Staley witnessed her team break the school's scoring record during the dominant 108-48 win against Tennessee Tech. Staley expressed her appreciation for the gift from Plies on social media, acknowledging his unwavering support for the Gamecocks. The victory against Tennessee Tech marked a significant milestone for the Gamecocks in their NCAA Tournament history, surpassing their previous record set in 2022. South Carolina's remarkable performance has secured them as a No. 1 seed in the 2025 tournament, with a stellar tournament record and a pursuit of their fourth consecutive national championship. Plies took to Instagram to praise Staley for her character and purpose, emphasizing that he admires her beyond her accomplishments on the court. South Carolina's next game will be against the Indiana Hoosiers on Sunday, March 23, 2025.