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.
Buy South Carolina women's basketball March Madness tickets
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.
We occasionally recommend interesting products and services. If you make a purchase by clicking one of the links, we may earn an affiliate fee. USA TODAY Network newsrooms operate independently, and this doesn’t influence our coverage
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
-
South Carolina vs Tennessee Tech prediction in March Madness: Prediction for 2025 NCAA opener
It's South Carolina vs Tennessee Tech in the first round of the 2025 Women’s NCAA Tournament. Here’s our prediction for the March Madness basketball game.Yahoo Sports - 10h -
Women’s March Madness 2025 national title odds: South Carolina, UConn early betting favorites
Two of the most storied programs in women’s college basketball are on top of the national championship odds after the 2025 NCAA Tournament bracket was released. South Carolina and Connecticut ...Yahoo Sports - 9h -
Oregon Basketball vs Liberty prediction: Our pick for 2025 NCAA Tournament first round
It’s Oregon vs Liberty Flames in March Madness bracket. Here’s our prediction for the 2025 NCAA Tournament basketball game.Yahoo Sports - 13h -
Drake basketball vs Missouri prediction: Our pick for 2025 NCAA Tournament first round
It’s Drake Bulldogs vs Missouri Tigers in March Madness bracket. Here’s our prediction for the 2025 NCAA Tournament basketball game.Yahoo Sports - 2h -
Notre Dame women's basketball vs Stephen F. Austin prediction: Our pick for 2025 NCAA Tournament first round
It's Notre Dame women's basketball vs. Stephen F. Austin in March Madness first round. Here's our prediction for the 2025 NCAA Tournament basketball game.Yahoo Sports - 12h -
Here’s your printable March Madness bracket for the 2025 women’s NCAA tournament
Looking for a printable women’s NCAA tournament bracket for March Madness predictions and picks? Here’s a link to print and fill out your bracket.Yahoo Sports - 13h -
Oregon vs. Vanderbilt in March Madness: Prediction for 2025 NCAA Tournament opener
It's Oregon vs. Vanderbilt in the first round of the 2025 Women's NCAA Tournament. Here's our prediction for the March Madness basketball game.Yahoo Sports - 10h -
Colorado State vs Memphis prediction: Our pick for 2025 NCAA Tournament first round
It’s the Colorado State Rams vs the Memphis Tigers in the March Madness bracket. Here’s our prediction for the 2025 NCAA Tournament basketball game.Yahoo Sports - 13h -
Can Tennessee basketball reach Final Four in March Madness bracket? Our prediction
Can Tennessee basketball reach NCAA bracket’s Final Four? Our 2025 March Madness predictions show how Vols can make run in tournament.Yahoo Sports - 11h
More from Yahoo Sports
-
USC NCAA Tournament opener will be on Saturday, March 22 at Galen Center
The Trojans will open the tournament against UNC Greensboro on Saturday at high noon in Los AngelesYahoo Sports - 8m -
USC NCAA Tournament opener will be on Saturday, March 22 at Galen Center
The Trojans will open the tournament against UNC Greensboro on Saturday at high noon in Los AngelesYahoo Sports - 8m -
PSG win over Marseille marred by homophobic, racist chants. It's an ongoing problem in French soccer
A French campaign group has called on the country's authorities to punish homophobic and racist chanting after the biggest match in the league between Paris Saint-Germain and Marseille was marred ...Yahoo Sports - 10m -
PSG win over Marseille marred by homophobic, racist chants. It's an ongoing problem in French soccer
A French campaign group has called on the country's authorities to punish homophobic and racist chanting after the biggest match in the league between Paris Saint-Germain and Marseille was marred ...Yahoo Sports - 10m -
Can Oregon basketball reach Final Four in March Madness bracket? Our prediction
Can Oregon basketball reach NCAA bracket’s Final Four? Our 2025 March Madness predictions show how Ducks can make run in tournament.Yahoo Sports - 10m
More in Sports
-
March Madness 2025: Duke's Cooper Flagg, Texas' Tre Johnson headline list of top freshmen in the tournament
Flagg, the projected No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, headlines a star-studded group of freshmen in the NCAA TournamentCBS Sports - 4m -
NCAA Tournament fields set; TPC playoff underway; Bengals extend star wide receivers
Auburn has the top overall seed in the men's field, while UCLA leads the women's drawCBS Sports - 4m -
NCAA Tournament fields set; TPC playoff underway; Bengals extend star wide receivers
Auburn has the top overall seed in the men's field, while UCLA leads the women's drawCBS Sports - 4m -
2025 MLB Opening Day starter tracker: Paul Skenes gets call for Pirates, Astros go with Framber Valdez again
The regular season is almost upon us and managers are getting their ducks (and rotations) in a rowCBS Sports - 6m -
USC NCAA Tournament opener will be on Saturday, March 22 at Galen Center
The Trojans will open the tournament against UNC Greensboro on Saturday at high noon in Los AngelesYahoo Sports - 8m