Most rebounds in Final Four: Where Ashlyn Watkins' 20 boards for South Carolina rank among all-time best

South Carolina women's basketball has become a conveyor belt for dominant bigs over the course of Dawn Staley's 16-year tenure as head coach.

A'ja Wilson, Aliyah Boston and Kamilla Cardoso rank as some of the most menacing sycamores to call Columbia, South Carolina, home. And the pipeline continues to churn out talent, most recently sophomore standout Ashlyn Watkins.

Watkins isn't a starter, as she comes behind Cardoso on the depth chart. But she ranks as one of the Gamecocks most important figures, a mystifying blend of length, height and athleticism.

She showed off all her tools against No. 3 NC State, tallying a career-best 20 rebounds to buoy South Carolina in its blowout 78-59 victory over the Wolfpack.

Watkins has earned plaudits for depth-defying jams and swats. This time around, Watkins proved a nuisance on the boards. In the process, she closed in on NCAA history.

Here's a look at the greatest rebounding performances in Final Four history and where Watkins' eye-catching showcase stands.

MORE: Kamilla Cardoso powers Gamecocks to national title game

Most rebounds in a Final Four game

Watkins strung together one of the greatest rebounding displays in Final Four history. Her 20 rebounds stand as the most by any bench player in an NCAA Tournament game in the last 25 seasons, per ESPN.

She ended the night tied for the third-most rebounds in a Final Four game, falling short of the 25-rebound mark set by Mississippi State's Teiara McCowan against Louisville back in 2018.

Here's a closer look at the greatest rebounding showings in Final Four history.

Ashlyn Watkins height

Watkins stands at 6-foot-3, but the sophomore forward is far from the  tallest player on the South Carolina roster.

The Gamecocks have five players who stand at 6-foot-3 or above: Watkins (6'3), Sania Feagin (6'3), Adhel Tac (6'5), Sakima Walker (6'5) and Cardoso (6'7).

Given her impressive athleticism, Watkins tends to stand in for Cardoso when the Brazilian senior leaves the floor.

Ashlyn Watkins stats

Watkins enjoyed an impressive sophomore campaign, averaging 9.4 points, 7.1 rebounds and 2.4 blocks in just 20.5 minutes per game heading into the Final Four.

Her numbers per 40 minutes paint a picture of a player poised for a breakout. Watkins is averaging 18.4 points, 13.8 rebounds and 4.8 blocks per 40 minutes of playing time. With Cardoso poised to go pro, look for Watkins to step up next season.