Here's why South Carolina women’s basketball can, or can't, repeat as national champions
COLUMBIA — South Carolina women's basketball is disappointed that it's only the No. 2 overall seed, but the Gamecocks are one of the four No. 1 regional seeds.
The Gamecocks open play Friday (4 p.m., ESPN) at home in the Birmingham 2 Region against No. 16 Tennessee Tech (26-5).
South Carolina (30-3), the defending national champion, is in unfamiliar territory compared to 2024, when it went undefeated. Coach Dawn Staley's squad is hoping to bring the magic of that postseason to 2025. Will it happen?
Here's why South Carolina can and can't become back-to-back national champions.
South Carolina's depth can carry Gamecocks to fourth national title
There's no team with a more productive bench than Staley's, which averages 41.5 points per game — not only the best in the nation but nearly 10 points more on average than the second-best team (Illinois-Chicago, 32.4).
South Carolina has out-run teams, knowing that whoever Staley puts in the lineup can score and play solid defense. With a random mix of opponents across various divisions, one thing that can separate the Gamecocks in a beneficial way is its deep roster.
Their two leading scorers, Joyce Edwards and MiLaysia Fulwiley, come off the bench, which can sometimes be a gut-punch to teams that already have trouble in the first few minutes against South Carolina's starters.
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South Carolina's NCAA tournament experience is huge advantage
A huge advantage for some teams is how frequently they've played in March. South Carolina has been to the Final Four the past four years.
Teams like Texas and Southern Cal, who also are No. 1 seeds, don't have the luxury of rich tournament experience on their rosters, whereas three of South Carolina's starters have been to three Final Fours and won two national titles. Down the stretch and with the mental demand of March Madness, Staley's roster may carry itself to another title simply by knowing what it takes.
In addition, South Carolina has already faced the top teams in the two Birmingham Regions. It has twice beaten Texas, the No. 1 in Birmingham 4, and beaten TCU (No. 2 seed), Duke (No. 2), Alabama (No. 5) and Michigan (No. 6).
No. 4 Maryland, No. 3 UNC and No. 4 Ohio State all could cause trouble, but knowing so many of its potential Sweet 16 or Elite Eight matchups could be key to making another Final Four.
Inconsistent offense may send South Carolina home early
In all three of its losses, South Carolina looked timid on offense, not necessarily because of the opponent's defense but more because of its own issues. At times, the starting five didn't look particularly aggressive, something that changed in the SEC tournament when Chloe Kitts and Sania Feagin began demanding the ball more.
The Gamecocks have been victims of self-inflicted errors — and one poor shooting night, or if there's no momentum and flow, and the game can just slip away.
South Carolina March Madness prediction: Dawn Staley wins 4th national title
The Gamecocks at times look unstoppable, and at other times look like a totally different team. But for the most part, they've grown with each game. Through their defense, they have won some incredibly tough games.
South Carolina has what it takes to win back-to-back titles, and though some might have "Dawn Staley fatigue," she very well might collect her fourth ring.
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Lulu Kesin covers South Carolina athletics for The Greenville News and the USA TODAY Network. Email her at lkesin@gannett.com and follow her on X, formerly known as Twitter, @Lulukesin
This article originally appeared on Greenville News: South Carolina women’s basketball March Madness bracket predictions
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