The South Carolina Gamecocks women’s basketball team has once again demonstrated their dominance by securing the No. 1 overall seed in the 2025 NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Tournament. This marks their fifth consecutive year achieving a top seed, underscoring the program’s consistent excellence under head coach Dawn Staley.
Season Overview
The Gamecocks concluded the regular season with an impressive 30–3 record, navigating one of the nation’s toughest schedules. Their journey included clinching both the Southeastern Conference (SEC) regular-season and tournament titles for the third consecutive year. The SEC Tournament, held at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, South Carolina, saw South Carolina emerge victorious, further solidifying their dominance in the conference.
NCAA Tournament Journey
As the No. 1 seed in the Birmingham 2 Regional, South Carolina hosted the first and second rounds at Colonial Life Arena in Columbia. In the second round, they faced No. 9 seed Indiana. Despite trailing at halftime, the Gamecocks showcased resilience, orchestrating a dominant third quarter to secure a 64-53 victory. Key contributions came from Chloe Kitts, who recorded a double-double, and Bree Hall, who added 11 points.
This win propelled South Carolina to their 11th consecutive Sweet 16 appearance. They are set to play on Friday, March 28, 2025, at Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Alabama. Their opponent will be determined by the outcome of the second-round matchup between No. 4 seed Maryland and No. 5 seed Alabama.
Potential Matchups
South Carolina has a history with both potential Sweet 16 opponents. They defeated Alabama 76-58 during the regular season on January 16. Their last encounter with Maryland was on November 12, 2023, with the Gamecocks holding a 6-2 all-time record against the Terrapins.
Key Players
- Chloe Kitts: Her performance in the second round, including a pivotal double-double, was instrumental in the Gamecocks’ comeback victory over Indiana.
- Bree Hall: Contributed significantly with 11 points against Indiana, showcasing her offensive prowess.
Looking Ahead
As the tournament progresses, the Gamecocks remain focused on their quest for back-to-back national championships. Their path includes potential matchups against formidable opponents in the Birmingham Regional. The team’s depth, experience, and leadership under Coach Staley position them as strong contenders to advance to the Final Four in Tampa, Florida, scheduled for April 4 and 6.