Could Duke’s Momentum Challenge South Carolina on Their Path to the Final Four?

As the defending national champions, South Carolina enters the 2025 NCAA Tournament with a No. 1 seed in the Birmingham 2 Region, marking their fifth consecutive year as a top seed and their ninth under head coach Dawn Staley. Although UCLA claims the overall No. 1 seed, the Gamecocks are poised to defend their crown as they open play against No. 16 seed Tennessee Tech on Friday at 4 p.m. (ESPN).

The road to back-to-back titles is lined with formidable challenges, including a regional bracket packed with powerful offenses and star players, along with a couple of familiar rivals. South Carolina’s first opponent is Tennessee Tech, guided by Kim Rosamond, who is making her second NCAA Tournament appearance in the past three years.

Looking ahead, the Gamecocks could face either Utah or Indiana in the second round. Both teams are known for their deadly 3-point shooting, and although they remain strong, South Carolina has already seen success against them in past seasons. The Gamecocks defeated Utah at home last year and overcame Indiana in the Sweet 16. With key players like Mackenzie Holmes (Indiana) and Alissa Pili (Utah) gone, this should be a more manageable matchup for South Carolina.

If South Carolina advances to the Sweet 16, the competition will intensify. No. 4 seed Maryland, with the 15th-best offense in the nation, could be their next challenge. The Terrapins are led by senior guard Shyanne Sellers, though her recent knee injury raises concerns about her availability. When healthy, Maryland is an elite contender, but if Sellers is limited, that could give the Gamecocks an edge.

The potential for a matchup with SEC rival Alabama in the second weekend is also looming. As a No. 5 seed, Alabama has its highest seed in over two decades. South Carolina defeated Alabama 76-58 earlier this season, although Sarah Ashlee Barker (Alabama’s star guard) missed that game due to injury. Alabama will be looking for redemption, with Barker back to full strength.

There are also two mid-major teams that could make a splash in the Birmingham 2 Region: Green Bay and Norfolk State. Norfolk State features Diamond Johnson, the MEAC Player of the Year, who could challenge Maryland’s defense with her ability to break down opponents off the dribble. Meanwhile, Green Bay is known for its ability to control the game’s pace and spread the floor effectively, making them a dangerous underdog.

As South Carolina progresses, a regional rivalry could heat up in the Elite Eight. Duke, the No. 2 seed, is coming off its first ACC Tournament title in over a decade, and the Gamecocks will be looking to defend their earlier season win over the Blue Devils. On the other hand, No. 3 North Carolina might present another threat. They have their highest seed since 2013, but the health of point guard Reniya Kelly, who has been a key contributor, will be pivotal for their tournament hopes. The Gamecocks have already bested the Tar Heels in last year’s tournament.

West Virginia, the No. 6 seed, is also a tough opponent with a pair of standout guards, JJ Quinerly and Jordan Harrison, who are complemented by one of the nation’s best defenses. With their experience from last year’s tournament run, they could prove dangerous. Similarly, No. 7 Vanderbilt boasts a potent scoring duo in Mikayla Blakes and Khamil Pierre, making them a potential threat if they get hot.

Despite these challenges, South Carolina has a clear path to the Final Four. With their deep roster, extensive tournament experience, and proven ability to win tough games, the Gamecocks are well-positioned to make another deep run in March Madness and defend their national title.

Stay tuned for more updates as the tournament progresses.