Is an Upset Looming for the Gamecocks? A Preview of South Carolina’s Clash with Tennessee Tech

The South Carolina Gamecocks now know their opponent for the opening round of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament: they’ll face Tennessee Tech on Friday, March 21. As the Gamecocks aim for another national title, could there be a potential upset brewing?

Once again, South Carolina is a top pick among analysts to win the championship for the third time in four years. But standing in their way are the Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles, who are looking to make a statement as tournament spoilers. This matchup isn’t the first time these two teams have faced off in the NCAA Tournament—could history repeat itself in round one?

Scouting the Golden Eagles:

Tennessee Tech (26-5) earned its spot in the tournament by winning the Ohio Valley Championship in a thrilling overtime win over Lindenwood. That victory extended their winning streak to 17 games and secured their 11th OVC tournament title. It also marked the eighth time the Golden Eagles have captured both the regular-season and tournament championships in the same year.

The last time Tennessee Tech and South Carolina met in the NCAA Tournament was in 1989 during the Midwest Regional. In that game, the Golden Eagles pulled off an upset, winning 77-73 in what was only their second NCAA Tournament victory. Back then, the Gamecocks entered the tournament as a 6th seed, while Tennessee Tech was seeded 11th. Fast forward to this year, and South Carolina has become one of the most dominant programs in the country, winning two of the last three national titles and earning their fifth consecutive #1 seed in the NCAA Tournament.

With a roster full of veterans and the reigning national champions under their belt, the Gamecocks should not take Tennessee Tech lightly. But as we all know, it’s called “March Madness” for a reason—stranger things have happened before.

Stay tuned for more updates as we get closer to the Gamecocks’ tournament debut!