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In a thrilling game that showcased defensive grit on both ends, Maryland’s defense made notable strides, but South Carolina’s defense ultimately proved superior when it mattered most.

“I mean, it’s special to play here, especially under Brenda, honestly. It’s a dream come true,” said Kubek, reflecting on the significance of the moment.

As the game unfolded, Maryland struggled in the final minutes, going a full three minutes without scoring. With Kubek sidelined, they had no response to South Carolina’s defensive pressure.

“That’s our normal defense. If we would have connected those possessions early in the basketball game, we might have found ourselves with a little bit of a bigger lead, but we were down at that point and we had to lock in,” explained South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley.

This shift in momentum ultimately sealed Maryland’s fate. South Carolina went on a crucial 7-0 run, and that was the turning point.

However, Maryland’s defense wasn’t without its merits. It had managed to stifle the Gamecocks for much of the night, particularly in the first half, allowing the Terps to lead at halftime.

“We wanted to pack the paint, battle on the glass, and I thought we did that to the very end. Just appreciate this group,” Frese said. “It was such a journey with all of them starting all the way back when we brought ten new players in, and every single one of them choosing to buy in and believe in this coaching staff and believe in the system.”

On the other side, MiLaysia Fulwiley was a standout for South Carolina, contributing 16 of her 23 points in the second half. Without her explosive performance, the Terps might have found themselves facing Duke in the Elite Eight.

“I think today I kind of just was locked in and determined and kind of really scraped forward with what I wanted to do, which was score,” Fulwiley reflected after the game.

In the end, despite a valiant effort on both ends of the floor, Maryland’s defense fell just short of delivering a season-saving victory.

Live Update from Birmingham, Ala. — South Carolina Survives Maryland in Sweet 16 Thriller, 71-67

In a nail-biting Sweet 16 showdown, the South Carolina women’s basketball team narrowly triumphed over Maryland, securing a 71-67 victory. Despite their status as reigning national champions and entering the tournament as the top seed, the Gamecocks have found themselves in a familiar but uncomfortable position — trailing at halftime in both of their tournament wins.

After the win, the locker room felt more somber than expected. There was relief, but also a palpable sense of disappointment. Te-Hina Paopao, a senior guard, voiced the team’s feelings, saying, “Today felt like a loss to us.”

The Gamecocks, who finished the regular season with a mere three losses and an NCAA-best seven victories over top-10 teams, now find themselves in a more precarious spot. Sania Feagin, a senior forward, expressed concern, saying, “We’re down half the game, and we can’t do that anymore. It’s March.”

The win over Maryland marks South Carolina’s second consecutive tournament game in which they’ve trailed at halftime — down by two points at the break against the Terrapins, and just one against Indiana in the second round. Coach Dawn Staley knows her team must sharpen up, stating that the focus is on preparing and maintaining confidence.

Leading the charge for South Carolina was MiLaysia Fulwiley, the sophomore guard who came off the bench to score 23 points, just one shy of her career high. The Gamecocks are the nation’s leaders in bench points, averaging 41.5 per game. Fulwiley remarked after the game, “Every game I feel like I need to do more.”

With the win, the Gamecocks set their sights on their next challenge: the No. 2 seed Duke Blue Devils. After Duke’s 47-38 victory over North Carolina, South Carolina will face their toughest test yet in the Elite Eight on Sunday.

Stay tuned as the Gamecocks prepare for what will surely be another intense matchup.

In an interview with WIS News 10, South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley discussed the role social media plays in the lives of her players, especially as they prepare for their upcoming Sweet 16 matchup against Maryland. Speaking with Judi Gatson and Billie Jean Shaw, Staley touched on the challenges of keeping her players focused amidst the constant distractions of social media, particularly with the added pressure of being the defending national champions.

“Social media is a part of their being. They can’t turn it on and off,” Staley shared. “I wish they could, but it calls them. It calls them to look at it and scroll up and down.” She emphasized the importance of taking both the positive and negative feedback in stride, urging her players not to fully believe either extreme.

“You have to take the good with the bad, because you can’t just look at all the good stuff that’s being said about you and believe all of it, and then read the bad stuff and believe all of it,” Staley continued.

She also stressed the significance of her players recognizing their self-worth. According to Staley, their true value comes from their on-court performance, especially in terms of their wins and accomplishments. “You’re your last sentence or your last word — that will come out of your mouth or usually your thumbs — is winner, because that’s what this team has done over the past, I don’t know, 7, 8, 9, or 10 years,” she explained.

Social media’s influence has been amplified by the implementation of the NIL (name, image, and likeness) policy, becoming an integral part of student-athletes’ lives.

As the Gamecocks gear up for their Sweet 16 game, Staley and the team are poised to face Maryland, a 4-seed, on Friday at Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Alabama. South Carolina, a No. 1 seed, has yet to lose a Sweet 16 game in the last four years and is aiming for its fifth consecutive Elite Eight appearance.

Maryland head coach Brenda Frese is looking to guide her team to the regional final for just the second time in ten years.

Te-Hina Paopao, a senior guard for South Carolina, is confident about the team’s readiness for the challenge. “We’ve got to rest and recover,” Paopao said. “It’s going to be a long stretch for us, so we’ve just got to be prepared, be disciplined and get ready for our next game,” she added.

If the Gamecocks are victorious over the Terrapins, they will face either the two-seed Duke or the three-seed North Carolina in the Elite Eight on Sunday.

The game was well out of reach for #1 South Carolina as they faced #16 Tennessee Tech, and by the third quarter, they were simply padding their stats. The outcome was never in question, but the opportunity for players to get some minutes was now at hand.

Adhel Tac had yet to step onto the court. The redshirt freshman post, who has had a challenging season, had been waiting for her chance. Head coach Dawn Staley had given some time to more experienced players like Maryam Dauda and Sakima Walker first, but now it was Tac’s turn to shine.

As Tac jogged to the scorer’s table, the buzzer sounded, and the crowd at Colonial Life Arena erupted in cheers. In the midst of the excitement, Tac nearly forgot to remove her shooting shirt, distracted by trying to figure out who she was replacing.

It didn’t matter, though—Tac was finally playing in an NCAA Tournament game.

“I was very excited,” Tac shared. “Less nervous, honestly. I really didn’t feel any nerves. For me, I was just really pumped up.”

This was technically Tac’s second NCAA Tournament appearance. Last year, she was a redshirt freshman, having enrolled in January to recover from a knee injury. Although she received a championship ring, this time she was on the court, ready to contribute.

“I’m really excited,” she said before the first-round game. “I was super excited last year, but it’s always different when you’re an active player. Last year was just that feeling of wanting to play, and now that I know I can actually participate, it’s really great.”

Tac wasted no time making an impact. Less than a minute after stepping onto the floor, she scored her first basket, causing the crowd to roar. A minute later, she caught a lob from freshman Maddy McDaniel and scored again, sending the fans into a frenzy.

“I didn’t have any expectations going into the game, didn’t have an idea of how many points I wanted to score, or rebounds, blocks, whatever,” Tac reflected. “I just wanted to be able to play my game and play good basketball. I’m really glad I was able to do that when I got in.”

Both Tac and McDaniel are excited about the future of their connection on the court.

“That’s actually the preferred pass for me,” Tac explained. “I like to catch a higher pass because I know that I can just try and get up and get it. Maddy threw the perfect pass. We’ve got a lot of those to come.”

Tac finished the game with six points and two rebounds in just five minutes of play, enough to earn her a spot in the postgame interview room, where only the game’s stars are typically called.

Tac is known as one of the more cerebral players on the team. She has a deep understanding of the game, always keeping up with the scouting reports and constantly communicating with teammates—even when she’s not on the floor.

Dawn Staley has often praised Tac for her intelligence on the court, even comparing her to Aliyah Boston. Tac’s understanding of the game is so sharp that she can explain complex concepts to sportswriters, which was part of why last season’s experience was so valuable for her.

“I wouldn’t probably have considered just how much it takes to get to (a championship),” Tac said. “I’m really grateful that I actually got to experience having a national championship run because now I know what it consists of and what it takes and what I need to bring out of myself and my teammates to win.”

South Carolina vs. Maryland: Key Factors for Sweet 16 Showdown

As the South Carolina Gamecocks prepare for their Sweet 16 matchup with Maryland, there are some notable strengths and areas to watch for both teams.

Strengths One of the defining traits of South Carolina’s success has been the depth and versatility of its roster. Head coach Dawn Staley has managed to keep her entire team engaged and playing to their strengths, ensuring that every player, especially the Americans who make up the bulk of the roster, plays a vital role. Keeping players happy within their specific roles has been essential to the Gamecocks’ success this season.

Weakness Despite their overall dominance, the Gamecocks’ three-point shooting is one area of concern. At 33.8%, their three-point percentage ranks 76th in the nation. Though it’s still the fourth-best in the SEC, it’s noticeably below the high standards set by South Carolina in previous seasons. In contrast, Maryland has been much more effective from beyond the arc, with a 36.2% rate, which ranks 23rd nationally and fourth in the Big Ten.

Three Key Things to Watch

1. The Sweet 16 Magic
   Maryland is no stranger to the Sweet 16, having made it to this stage four times in the last five years. However, the Terps have only advanced past the Sweet 16 once during that span. Brenda Frese’s team has made 12 Sweet 16 appearances and seven Elite Eight berths under her leadership. To move beyond the Sweet 16 this time, Maryland will need to bring its best performance yet.
   Sarah Te-Biasu reflected on the significance, saying, “That’s something that you dream of when you’re a kid and everything, so just to be a part of that feels amazing.”
2. Breaking South Carolina’s Dominance
   Maryland has had a tough time against South Carolina, losing five of the last six matchups since the 2017-18 season. Their most recent meeting, in the 2023 Elite Eight, saw the Terps fall by 11 points. If Maryland wants to change its fortunes, it will need a special game plan from Frese and her coaching staff.
   Shyanne Sellers summed up the challenge, saying, “Give it all you got. That’s all you can do, really. They’re super disciplined and well coached, so we’ve got to make sure we’re doing everything that we need to do and executing the game plan.”
3. The X-Factor: Mir McLean
   One player to watch is Mir McLean, who has stepped up in a big way during the tournament. She provided a crucial spark off the bench, playing 36 minutes against Alabama, where she contributed 8 points and 10 rebounds. McLean also recorded six points and six rebounds in 21 minutes against Norfolk State. Her energy and rebounding ability could be key for Maryland as they look to break through against South Carolina.
   Brenda Frese praised McLean, saying, “What an X-factor she’s been these last two games, from a defensive end, a rebounding end. Just her pride to be able to lock down and make the best player on the opposing team have a miserable night.”

This Friday’s matchup between the Gamecocks and Terps is sure to be a thrilling contest with plenty of drama and exciting plays.

Tennessee Volunteers Set for Showdown with South Carolina Gamecocks After Dominant Start to 2025 Season

The Tennessee Volunteers have been on fire to start the 2025 season, with their preseason All-SEC position players leading the charge. But it’s not just the stars who are hitting well—virtually every Vol has contributed at the plate. Six players, including Curley, Kilen, and Fischer, have each blasted at least six home runs. As a team, Tennessee ranks second in the country for home runs and slugging percentage, and third in total runs scored. Additionally, eight of the ten players with 15 or more starts are sporting an OPS of 1.024 or higher.

On the mound, Tennessee’s pitching staff has been nothing short of dominant. Doyle has been exceptional, striking out 62 batters in just 31 innings. Fellow starter Marcus Phillips has posted a stellar 1.47 ERA and a 0.91 WHIP. The bullpen has been just as impressive, with 12 relievers (including Snead) maintaining an ERA under 4.00. These numbers have propelled the Vols to the top of the national charts, leading the country in ERA and WHIP, while also ranking first in K-BB ratio and second in H/9.

However, despite their stellar performance, Tennessee has only played three road games so far this season. Although they won their series against Alabama last weekend, they also suffered a loss. This weekend, they face a tough test on the road at South Carolina, a team that boasts a strong 14-3 record at Founders Park this season.

South Carolina head coach Paul Mainieri has yet to announce his weekend rotation. After the loss to North Carolina, he mentioned the possibility of getting Dylan Eskew back after he was scratched from his Sunday start due to a head injury caused by a batting practice home run. Brandon Stone, who has been the team’s typical Friday night starter, didn’t pitch on Tuesday, but did warm up in the bullpen. Brendan Sweeney, who usually closes, made a one-inning appearance on Tuesday, making him likely available for the weekend.

The much-anticipated series between the South Carolina Gamecocks and Tennessee Volunteers will kick off at Ray Tanner Field on Friday at 7:00 p.m. The second game of the series will be on Saturday at 4:00 p.m., with both games available for streaming on SEC Network+. The series finale on Sunday will start at 5:00 p.m. and will be broadcast on SEC Network, with the ESPN app offering streaming options.

Georgia Bulldogs Eye Zachary Davis as Transfer Portal Target to Strengthen Roster

The Georgia Bulldogs are on the hunt for versatile wing players to bolster their roster, both offensively and defensively, as they prepare for the upcoming season. One player they’ve recently targeted is Zachary Davis, a 6-foot-7 guard from South Carolina.

Davis, who hails from Orangeburg, South Carolina, had a standout sophomore season with the South Carolina Gamecocks. Over his tenure, Davis played 95 games, averaging 5.5 points and 3.5 rebounds per game. In the 2024-25 season, he took his game to the next level, averaging 8.2 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 1.8 assists, with a solid field goal percentage of 38.2%.

As Davis enters the transfer portal, a number of programs are showing interest. Schools like LSU, USC, Cal, and Oklahoma are expected to compete for his services, with Florida and Georgia making early contact to gauge his interest. For Georgia, adding a player of Davis’ caliber would not only address key positional needs but also add depth to their lineup. His NIL value is estimated to be $144K, according to On3.

Davis’ ability to impact both ends of the floor makes him an attractive option for the Bulldogs, who are looking to strengthen their roster for the upcoming season. As the transfer portal heats up, it will be interesting to see where Zachary Davis decides to continue his collegiate career.

Financial Disparities Between Men’s and Women’s Sports at South Carolina: A Look at the Numbers

As March Madness kicks off, the financial divide between men’s and women’s college sports continues to be a topic of discussion. The revenue from media rights deals plays a significant role in this divide, with the men’s NCAA basketball tournament bringing in much more revenue compared to its women’s counterpart.

Each time an SEC men’s team plays in the tournament, like Alabama facing BYU on Thursday night, every SEC school earns 1/16th of a unit—equivalent to $131,250. This unit comes from the nearly $1 billion TV deal with CBS and Turner Sports, a deal that’s been in place for years. Over the course of six years, the unit distribution adds up to $2.1 million per team, benefiting the conference as a whole.

In contrast, the women’s NCAA basketball tournament is valued much lower. The eight-year media rights agreement between the NCAA and ESPN, worth $65 million annually, results in a unit worth about $115,000—only around $7,000 per SEC school. This disparity highlights the difference in media attention and revenue generation between men’s and women’s basketball.

Additionally, the SEC’s massive media rights deal with ABC/ESPN, worth $3 billion over 10 years, started this summer, though the full effects on women’s sports remain unclear. In FY24, prior to this new deal, South Carolina’s athletics department generated nearly $37 million from media rights. This revenue was distributed across various programs, but notably, no media rights money was allocated directly to the women’s basketball program at South Carolina, as confirmed by the university’s financial report.

Here’s a look at the 2024 financials for South Carolina athletics:

Program Finances (FY24: July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2024)

• Football: Revenue: $78.5M | Expenses: $47.6M | Profit: $30.9M
• Men’s Basketball: Revenue: $13.4M | Expenses: $9.9M | Profit: $3.5M
• Women’s Basketball: Revenue: $5.9M | Expenses: $11.5M | Loss: -$5.6M
• Baseball: Revenue: $4.7M | Expenses: $7.4M | Loss: -$2.7M
• Women’s Track & Field/Cross Country: Revenue: $816K | Expenses: $4.1M | Loss: -$3.2M
• Men’s Track & Field/Cross Country: Revenue: $529K | Expenses: $2.4M | Loss: -$1.9M
• Women’s Swim & Dive: Revenue: $451K | Expenses: $2.2M | Loss: -$1.8M
• Equestrian: Revenue: $368K | Expenses: $2.7M | Loss: -$2.3M
• Men’s Soccer: Revenue: $347K | Expenses: $1.8M | Loss: -$1.5M
• Softball: Revenue: $310K | Expenses: $2.7M | Loss: -$2.4M
• Men’s Swim & Dive: Revenue: $246K | Expenses: $1.6M | Loss: -$1.3M
• Women’s Soccer: Revenue: $214K | Expenses: $2.4M | Loss: -$2.2M
• Volleyball: Revenue: $200K | Expenses: $2.1M | Loss: -$1.9M
• Women’s Golf: Revenue: $146K | Expenses: $1.3M | Loss: -$1.1M
• Women’s Tennis: Revenue: $111K | Expenses: $1.3M | Loss: -$1.2M
• Men’s Tennis: Revenue: $98K | Expenses: $1.5M | Loss: -$1.4M
• Beach Volleyball: Revenue: $80K | Expenses: $1.0M | Loss: -$947K
• Men’s Golf: Revenue: $78K | Expenses: $898K | Loss: -$820K

As we see from the figures above, South Carolina women’s basketball is operating at a significant deficit, losing over $5.6 million despite the success and popularity of the program. This financial gap highlights the ongoing issue in women’s sports, where media revenue and investment remain far behind their male counterparts, affecting everything from resources to team support.

As the season progresses, the disparity in funding and media attention between men’s and women’s college sports remains a topic that needs continued attention. The financial strain on women’s programs, particularly women’s basketball, reflects the broader issues of equity in sports and highlights the challenges that still need to be addressed.

The 2025 Major League Baseball Season Kicks Off on Opening Day

After a long offseason, the wait is finally over. Opening Day for the 2025 MLB season is upon us, and while the season technically started last week in Japan with the Dodgers and Cubs facing off in a brief two-game series, Thursday marks the beginning of the 162-game grind toward the World Series for all 30 teams.

As we dive into the new season, several South Carolina baseball alums are making their mark on Opening Day rosters. While the number of former Gamecocks in the league has slightly decreased in recent years, there’s still strong representation across Major League Baseball. Here’s a breakdown of where each Gamecock is playing this season.

Jonah Bride — Miami Marlins

In his second season with the Miami Marlins, Jonah Bride looks to continue building on a solid 2024 campaign. After being traded from the Athletics ahead of last season, Bride hit .276 with 11 home runs and 39 RBIs in 232 at-bats, with an impressive .818 OPS, one of the highest on the team.

Bride became a regular fixture in the Marlins’ lineup starting July 4 and is expected to play a prominent role this season, potentially starting at either first or third base. Now entering his age-29 season, the former 23rd-round pick from the 2018 MLB Draft will look to establish himself further in the Marlins’ lineup.

Jordan Montgomery — Arizona Diamondbacks

Jordan Montgomery’s season has taken an unfortunate turn. Just days before the season’s start, Montgomery learned he will require Tommy John surgery due to a sprained left ulnar collateral ligament. This will keep the left-handed pitcher sidelined for the entire 2025 season, marking the second time in his career that he’ll undergo elbow surgery, having dealt with a similar injury in 2019.

Montgomery, coming off a tough 2024 season with a 6.23 ERA in 21 starts for the Arizona Diamondbacks, was looking to bounce back after finishing with an 8-7 record. However, with his surgery scheduled and free agency looming in 2026, Montgomery’s future remains uncertain.

Carmen Mlodzinski — Pittsburgh Pirates

Carmen Mlodzinski is set for a significant step forward in his career with the Pittsburgh Pirates. After spending his first two seasons primarily in the bullpen, Mlodzinski has earned a spot in the Pirates’ rotation as their fifth starter for 2025.

The former 31st overall pick in the 2020 MLB Draft, Mlodzinski has posted a career 2.75 ERA with 80 strikeouts and 37 walks in his time with the Pirates. He is expected to make his first start of the season on Monday against the Tampa Bay Rays, though his exact start date remains TBA.

Clarke Schmidt — New York Yankees

Injuries have already impacted Clarke Schmidt’s season, as the New York Yankees right-hander begins the year on the 15-day injured list due to right rotator cuff tendonitis. Schmidt, who made 16 starts for the Yankees in 2024, posted a solid 2.85 ERA with 93 strikeouts and 30 walks, despite a right lat strain that kept him sidelined for nearly three months.

Schmidt returned just in time for the Yankees’ deep postseason run last year, and after recovering from this injury, he is expected to rejoin the Yankees’ rotation.

Christian Walker — Houston Astros

In a notable offseason move, Christian Walker signed a three-year, $60 million contract with the Houston Astros just before Christmas, after spending the last eight seasons with the Arizona Diamondbacks. Walker, 33, is coming off a season in which he hit .251 with 26 homers and 84 RBIs in 130 games.

A three-time National League Gold Glove winner at first base, Walker has established himself as one of the top defensive first basemen in the league. Despite dealing with oblique soreness during spring training that limited him to just four games, Walker is expected to be ready for Opening Day and will make his debut with the Astros this season.

As the MLB season gets underway, the contributions of these former Gamecocks will be a point of pride for South Carolina fans. Keep an eye on these players as they look to make an impact on the diamond throughout the 2025 season.

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) – The South Carolina Gamecocks are headed to Birmingham, preparing to face the Maryland Terrapins in their 11th consecutive Sweet Sixteen appearance.

The Gamecocks will meet a familiar opponent in Maryland, with the two teams having faced off just two years ago in the Elite Eight, where South Carolina emerged victorious, 86-75.

Coming off a hard-fought win against Indiana in the Round of 32, South Carolina showed resilience despite struggling to score for much of the game, particularly in the first half. The Gamecocks were able to secure a 64-53 victory, showcasing their depth, which proved too much for the Hoosiers to handle. Bree Hall, Chloe Kitts, and Sania Feagin were key contributors, helping push the team past Indiana.

Now, the Gamecocks are looking to get their leading scorers—Joyce Edwards and MiLaysia Fulwiley—back on track after both had a quiet outing in the win over Indiana. While South Carolina’s depth is strong enough to handle tough opponents, they’re at their best when Edwards and Fulwiley are firing on all cylinders.

One player to watch closely in this upcoming game is Chloe Kitts. The forward has been clutch all season and has elevated her performance even further as the postseason has progressed. Kitts recorded her 10th double-double of the season in Sunday’s win, contributing seven of her 10 points in a critical stretch during the third quarter, along with 11 rebounds.

As for Maryland, the Terrapins are coming off a dramatic victory in which they rallied from a 17-point deficit to defeat Alabama 111-108 in a double-overtime thriller. This victory sent Maryland to their fourth Sweet Sixteen appearance in the last five years and marked the second-largest comeback in NCAA tournament history for the Terrapins.

Maryland’s offensive attack is led by a dynamic trio: Sarah Te-Biasu, Kaylene Smikle, and Shyanne Sellers, who combined for an impressive 78 points in the win over Alabama. Smikle, who leads the team in scoring with 18 points per game on 45% shooting, has been especially effective during the postseason, averaging 22.2 points so far in the tournament. Sellers, who is second on the team in scoring and leads in assists, is a major threat due to her three-point shooting, hitting 41% from beyond the arc. Te-Biasu is another deep threat, hitting an incredible 45% of her threes, and averaging 10.6 points.

With Maryland’s guards being a central part of their offensive strategy, South Carolina will focus on containing their elite backcourt. The Gamecocks will also look to exploit Maryland’s interior defense, where South Carolina holds an advantage in both frontcourt and backcourt depth. The Terrapins’ key forwards, Allie Kubek and Christina Dalce, are solid in the paint but represent the bulk of Maryland’s rebounding efforts. If South Carolina can get Kubek and Dalce into foul trouble, it could swing the game in their favor.

The highly anticipated Sweet Sixteen showdown is set to tip off at 5:00 p.m. and will be broadcast on ESPN.

Stay tuned to WIS for live updates during the game via our live blog. Don’t miss out on the action!

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