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.
DAWN'S THOUGHTS: Dawn Staley has a strength of schedule question after UCLA tops South Carolina for No. 1 overall seed
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
Topics
-
Women’s March Madness 2025 Selection Sunday: How to watch, who will be No. 1 seeds?
One of the most exciting times in sports is almost here. The 2025 NCAA Tournament starts next week with 68 teams readying for college basketball’s showcase event. South Carolina is looking to ...Yahoo Sports - 3d -
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 - 7h -
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 - 8h -
Women's NCAA Tournament: The players, teams that pose the biggest threats to South Carolina's title defense
South Carolina will try to add to its trophy case when the NCAA women's basketball tournament begins this week.NBC News - 2h -
South Carolina vs. Texas odds, free women's college basketball picks: Longhorns cover in 2025 SEC Tournament
SportsLine's Calvin Wetzel and Aaron Barzilai revealed their picks for Texas Longhorns vs. South Carolina Gamecocks in the 2025 SEC Women's Tournament final on SundayCBS Sports - Mar. 9 -
UCLA, South Carolina move atop women's Top 25
UCLA vaulted back up to No. 1 in The Associated Press women's basketball Top 25 on Monday after beating USC for the Big Ten title over the weekend.ESPN - 6d -
Why Indiana basketball missed NCAA Tournament in favor of North Carolina
The selection committee was chaired by North Carolina's athletic director, who recused himself from discussion. Here's the explanation for the Hoosiers missing out.Yahoo Sports - 12h -
Updating LSU women's basketball's national title odds after NCAA Selection Sunday
Here's where LSU women's basketball stands in the latest national championship odds following the March Madness bracket revealYahoo Sports - 41m -
Oklahoma State women's basketball will face South Dakota State to open March Madness
It’s Oklahoma State women’s basketball vs. South Dakota State in March Madness to open the 2025 NCAA Tournament. Here’s what to know about the first-round game in Storrs, Conn.Yahoo Sports - 11h -
Can Vanderbilt reach Sweet 16 in Women’s March Madness? Predictions for why and why not
Can the Vanderbilt women’s basketball team reach the Sweet 16? Our 2025 March Madness bracket predictions show how it can make an NCAA Tournament run.Yahoo Sports - 7h -
UCLA, South Carolina, Texas and USC claim top seeds in women's NCAA Tournament
When the first round of the NCAA women's basketball tournament begins Friday, the UCLA Bruins will be its top overall seed.NBC News - 10h -
Team-by-team preview: Can Orlando repeat as champions?
Where the 14 clubs stands and how close each is to winning the NWSL championship.ESPN - 1d -
NCAA women's basketball tournament bracket breakdown, best games, players to watch
UCLA, South Carolina, Texas and USC earned No. 1 seeds for the 2025 women's NCAA Tournament. Breaking down the regions and players to watch.Yahoo Sports - 8h -
Why Michigan State basketball can make March Madness run to the Final Four
Here are three reasons Michigan State basketball can make a run to what would be Tom Izzo's ninth Final Four.Yahoo Sports - 1h -
Scotland upset champions at women's Worlds - watch on BBC
Scotland open with victory over defending champions Canada at the World Women's Curling Championship in South Korea.Yahoo Sports - 1d -
UCLA lands NCAA's No. 1 overall women's seed
UCLA, South Carolina and Texas, who all had a turn at No. 1 this season in the Associated Press poll, joined USC on Sunday as the top seeds in the women's NCAA basketball tournament, which will ...ESPN - 8h -
College Report: Nevaeh Zavala helps High Point win Big South basketball tournament
Nevaeh Zavala, a 6-0 sophomore from Royse City, scored a team-high 16 points and pulled down 10 rebounds to help High Point’s women win the Big South basketball tournament. High Point, which is in ...Yahoo Sports - 2d -
Women’s NCAA Tournament bracket: UCLA lands overall No. 1 seed
Entering Sunday’s women’s NCAA Tournament bracket reveal, there was a looming question about who would be the field’s top seed. In a season full of parity, SEC tournament champion South Carolina ...Yahoo Sports - 11h -
Can technology help more survivors of sexual assault in South Sudan?
Sexual assault is a constant risk for many women in South SudanABC News - 1d -
Gallatin boys, Skyview girls keep repeat hopes alive at State AA
Mar. 14—BOZEMAN — One day down and both defending champions are still alive for a repeat in the AA State Basketball Tournament. Defending boys winners Gallatin held Missoula Hellgate to just 12 ...Yahoo Sports - 2d -
IHSAA boys basketball semistate brackets set. Here's the South Bend area pairings
South Bend Riley, Saint Joseph, Jimtown and Triton boys basketball learned its IHSAA semistate pairings Sunday. Here's all the info you need.Yahoo Sports - 15h -
From a South Carolina repeat to UConn ending its title drought: Six teams that could win it all
Sixty-eight teams will compete in March Madness. But these six make up the short list of title contenders.ESPN - 3d -
Here's why the 2024-25 Gastonia, Shelby high school basketball season was one for the books
With the high school basketball season now complete in Cleveland, Gaston and Lincoln counties, here are a few reasons why it was one for the history books.Yahoo Sports - 3h -
Here's how you can watch Friday's MSU-Oregon basketball game
Here's how you can watch Big Ten Tournament matchup between Michigan State and Oregon on Friday.Yahoo Sports - 3d -
Here's how you can watch Saturday's MSU-Wisconsin basketball game
Here's how you can watch Big Ten Tournament matchup between Michigan State and Wisconsin on SaturdayYahoo Sports - 2d -
UCLA, South Carolina, USC, Texas earn No. 1 seeds in women's NCAA Tournament
UCLA is the top overall seed in the women's NCAA March Madness tournament.CBS News - 10h -
Here are some Wisconsin connections in the women's NCAA basketball tournament
From the UW-Green Bay roster to the head coach of Baylor, these are the Wisconsin ties in the NCAA women's basketball tournament.Yahoo Sports - 10h -
Selection Sunday bracketology projections for Iowa women's basketball
One final bracketology look from around the nation for Iowa women's basketball before the brackets get unveiled on Sunday.Yahoo Sports - 1d -
Women will get most of the $124 trillion 'great wealth transfer.' Here's why
Women stand to benefit disproportionately from the greatest generational wealth transfer in history, studies show.CNBC - 4d -
These accounts can be the 'worst possible asset’ for retirement, expert says. Here's why
Many investors don't plan for future taxes when contributing to traditional IRAs. Here are the key things to know.CNBC - Mar. 8 -
Icemen slump early in loss to South Carolina Stingrays
The Jacksonville Icemen lost to the South Carolina Stingrays in an ECHL hockey game with more than 100 combined penalty minutes.Yahoo Sports - 1h -
RCTC women's basketball team powers through to win national quarterfinal
Mar. 13—ROCHESTER — It wasn't the prettiest victory the RCTC women's basketball team has had this season, but sometimes tournament time is about nothing more than surviving and advancing. That's ...Yahoo Sports - 3d -
2024 Women’s March Madness bracket picks: Why Chantel Jennings picked UCLA to win it all
The bracket is finalized. The 68 teams have been revealed. You can print your bracket here and play along. Here’s my full bracket and early thoughts on what should be a fantastic road to the Final ...Yahoo Sports - 7h -
2025 Women’s March Madness bracket picks: Why Chantel Jennings picked UCLA to win it all
The bracket is finalized. The 68 teams have been revealed. You can print your bracket here and play along. Here’s my full bracket and early thoughts on what should be a fantastic road to the Final ...Yahoo Sports - 7h -
Celtics prepare for a championship repeat as true challengers rise
The defending champions have a more difficult road in front of them in their repeat bid, and they are well aware of it.Yahoo Sports - Mar. 7 -
The National Women’s Soccer League had a record-breaking year. Can it be topped in 2025?
The National Women’s Soccer League returns Friday after it earned record ratings last year, culminating in the most-watched championship game in the league’s 12-year history.NBC News - 3d -
Ball State women's basketball tickets for 2025 NCAA Women's Tournament: Prices, how to buy
Want to buy tickets to Ball State women's basketball's NCAA Tournament opener? Here's how, including prices for Women's March Madness tickets:Yahoo Sports - 10h -
NCAA women's basketball tournament: Who were No. 1 seeds for March Madness?
Here's a look at which teams were selected as No. 1 seeds for the 2025 NCAA women's basketball tournament:Yahoo Sports - 10h -
Cherokee girls basketball repeats as 1A state champions with 84-48 win over East Bladen
Cherokee used a big third quarter to run away from East Bladen in a fast-paced 1A state title game in Winston-Salem on Friday.Yahoo Sports - 2d
More from Yahoo Sports
-
Georgia football freshman WR suffers ankle injury, needs surgery
Georgia true freshman WR Tyler Williams suffered torn ligaments in his ankle, likely taking him out for the rest of Georgia's spring practices.Yahoo Sports - 20m -
Commanders have one glaring need one week into free agency
The Washington Commanders still have multiple needs. However, one stands above others.Yahoo Sports - 25m -
Auburn basketball’s first round opponent revealed ahead of 2025 NCAA Tournament
Auburn basketball will face either Alabama State or St. Francis in March Madness to open its 2025 NCAA Tournament men’s bracket.Yahoo Sports - 13h -
Best 2025 March Madness bracket names to use in NCAA Tournament pools
Filling out your NCAA Tournament bracket is only half the fun. Here are some bracket names to help get you started.Yahoo Sports - 14h -
Katelyn Young scores 34 as Murray State powers past Belmont 83-62 to win Missouri Valley title
Katelyn Young scored 34 points to help power Murray State to its first Missouri Valley Conference tournament championship by beating Belmont 83-62 on Sunday. Young surpassed 3,000 career points ...Yahoo Sports - 15h
More in Sports
-
MLB's villains or its gold standard? How the Los Angeles Dodgers got here
Love them or loathe them, the defending champs built a new evil empire with a series of monumental moves.ESPN - 18m -
NFL experts debate free agency: Which team made the best signing or trade?
Davante Adams to the Rams? We asked 10 experts to weigh in on the best overall move of free agency.ESPN - 24m -
Source: Pulisic in talks over new AC Milan deal
United States national team star Christian Pulisic is in negotiations with AC Milan over a new contract, a source has told ESPN.ESPN - 30m -
NHL playoff watch: The Bruins' path to the postseason
It's a long shot, but the B's can still pull this off -- here's how. Plus, full playoff projections, draft lottery standings, more.ESPN - 34m -
Nuggets vs. Warriors odds, line, prediction, time: 2025 NBA picks, March 17 best bets from proven model
SportsLine's model simulated the Golden State Warriors vs. Denver Nuggets 10,000 times and revealed its NBA picks for MondayCBS Sports - 53m