First Take Discusses Preferences Between USC and South Carolina for NCAA Tournament

In a live debate on First Take, Stephen A. Smith and Shannon Sharpe discussed the potential prospects of USC and South Carolina in the upcoming 2025 Women’s NCAA Tournament. Both teams have had impressive seasons, but the question of who is more likely to make a deep run was up for debate.

Sharpe started by expressing his preference for USC, citing the undeniable impact of JuJu Watkins on the court. “I’m going to say USC because they have that one, that JuJu,” Sharpe explained. “Even though her shots weren’t falling yesterday, she still managed to score 29 points. South Carolina doesn’t shoot the ball well enough for me. I know they have strong defense, but I think they’d struggle against someone like JuJu. She can score in multiple ways—she can defend, create her own shot, hit the mid-range, and shoot the three. With JuJu Watkins, I think USC is more likely to go further.”

Sharpe also added that while he doesn’t anticipate a major upset before the Final Four, if he had to choose, he’d pick the Lady Trojans to go the distance.

USC is enjoying one of its best seasons ever, boasting a top-ten offense led by Watkins (24.6 points, 6.9 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 2.2 steals, 1.9 blocks) and Kiki Iriafen (18.2 points, 8.3 rebounds). Despite this stellar performance, the Trojans suffered their third loss of the season in the Big Ten Championship game against UCLA, having already faced the Bruins twice earlier in the year.

On the other hand, Smith backed South Carolina, crediting their experience and leadership under Dawn Staley. “I’m going with South Carolina because we’re talking about NCAA Tournament competition and experience,” Smith said. “When you mention Dawn Staley, you’re talking about a team that’s won two of the last three national championships. And yes, some people might call this a down year for them. But come on, they’re 30-3. That’s their down year.”

Despite three losses this season, which equals the combined total of the previous three years, South Carolina remains a powerhouse with a top-five defense and nearly a top-ten offense. Their recent victory in the SEC Tournament, marking their third consecutive win and fifth in the last six years, further solidified their status.

Smith emphasized the significance of experience, saying, “I love me some JuJu, but South Carolina, Dawn Staley, experience—it matters.”

Both teams are expected to be No. 1 seeds in the upcoming tournament, with South Carolina securing the top overall spot and USC ranked third behind UCLA. According to the latest Bracketology from ESPN, both teams are likely headed to the Final Four in Tampa, with their paths to success now dependent on personal preferences, as Smith and Sharpe debated on First Take.