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In a live update, we’re breaking down the latest from South Carolina women’s basketball as they face off against Duke in the upcoming Sweet 16. Dawn Staley spoke candidly about her team’s recent struggles, particularly in their three-point shooting.

When asked about Carolina’s performance on Saturday, where they missed several three-pointers, Staley raised an eyebrow and responded, “The blueprint? People have been playing us like that ever since we had Aliyah Boston,” she said. “It’s nothing new. We lead the country in points in the paint, so they clog the paint. They did a good job executing their game plan, and we did a poor job at shot selection. We’ll be better. We just need to take better shots.”

In other news, the shooting woes have been a consistent theme in the Birmingham Regional 2. On Friday, the combined shooting performance of Duke, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Maryland was abysmal — a total of 88 made shots out of 240 attempts, amounting to a low 36.7% shooting percentage. The Duke vs North Carolina game, with a 47-38 scoreline, set a new low for combined points in a Sweet 16, breaking the previous record by 8 points.

When I spoke with one of the top shooters in Birmingham, I asked if the venue, Legacy Arena, played a part in the poor shooting. The response was insightful: “I think it was just the rhythm of things. The topic I’m not supposed to talk about (the officiating) kind of took us out of the rhythm of shooting and getting into the flow of things. I felt like the rhythm wasn’t there because there was so much stoppage in the game. We couldn’t really find a flow and rhythm. Today, we know we need to lock in,” she said. “It’s a little hard because we don’t have a lot of time here to shoot the ball and practice on the rims.”

Looking ahead to the next matchup, we turn to the Duke Blue Devils, a team that was expected to have a potent offense this season — a narrative that may have been overstated. While Duke remains a defensive powerhouse, their offense has struggled at times, especially against stronger teams. The Blue Devils average just 73.1 points per game, shooting 44.4% from the field and hitting 34% from beyond the arc.

Much like South Carolina, Duke gets significant contributions from its bench. The Blue Devils’ Joyce Edwards leads the bench with 13.0 points per game, though she has struggled with double-teams in the tournament. Toby Fournier, who averages 13.1 points per game, missed Duke’s second-round game due to illness but returned for their Sweet 16 matchup. However, Fournier only played 17 minutes and scored just three points. Meanwhile, Ashlon Jackson contributes 12.4 points per game and can be a three-point threat, hitting 37.6% from deep. Oluchi Okananwa, the ACC Tournament MVP, averages 10.2 points per game.

As for Duke’s defense, it remains their primary strength. The Blue Devils give up just 56.6 points per game, holding opponents to only 38.6% shooting. Staley offered her analysis: “Their defense is pretty stingy. They’ve disrupted, they’ve created some offense from their defense, and they do a really good job of hitting timely shots. They’re going to play for 40 minutes, and they’re going to disrupt.”

Now, all eyes turn to the upcoming matchup between South Carolina and Duke:

• Who: #1 South Carolina vs #2 Duke
• When: 1:00 PM ET, Sunday, March 30
• Where: Legacy Arena, Birmingham, Alabama
• Watch: ABC
• Sendoff: 9:45 AM CT, Westin Hotel, 221 Richard Arrington Jr. Blvd N

Stay tuned for more updates as we approach this exciting clash between two powerhouse teams!

We celebrate the remarkable performance of South Carolina women’s basketball alum Laeticia Amihere, who chose to play in Australia’s WNBL (Women’s National Basketball League) this winter, instead of competing in the WNBA alongside several fellow Gamecock alumni. This decision proved to be a game-changer for Amihere, offering her the perfect opportunity to fine-tune her skills ahead of her third WNBA season.

Amihere’s time with the Perth Lynx didn’t just provide valuable experience — it also solidified her place as one of the league’s top performers. Her efforts earned her first-team All-WNBL honors, a well-deserved recognition. On the court, she averaged 15.5 points, 6.3 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 1.7 steals, and 1.6 blocks per game, making a significant impact. Her scoring ranked seventh in the league, while her shot-blocking was third overall, and she ranked tenth in steals. Additionally, Amihere’s impressive field goal percentage placed her third among qualifying players. It’s clear she was one of the most versatile defenders in the league.

Looking ahead, Amihere is set to join the Golden State Valkyries for her first season in May, after the expansion franchise signed her in the offseason. Her journey in the WNBA began with the Atlanta Dream, where she played the first two years of her professional career.

During her time at South Carolina, Amihere was known for her versatility, excelling in various roles across the floor. Though she primarily came off the bench, she also logged several starts. Beyond her on-court success, Amihere was an academic and community leader, earning a spot on three SEC Academic Honor Rolls and three SEC Community Service Teams. She also served as the SEC Women’s Basketball Leadership Council Chair during the 2021-2022 season. One of her most notable achievements was setting the all-time USC record for blocks in an NCAA Tournament game, with an impressive nine blocks against Texas in the 2020-2021 NCAA Tournament.

Amihere’s time at South Carolina was marked by incredible team success, with the Gamecocks winning three SEC regular season championships, three SEC Tournament titles, and the prestigious NCAA Tournament National Championship during her tenure.

Stay updated on all things Gamecocks by checking out The Insiders Forum for the latest coverage.

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‘Zyon Guiles’ Chooses South Carolina, Boosting Gamecocks’ 2026 Recruiting Class

Shane Beamer and the South Carolina Gamecocks have just landed a key commitment for their 2026 recruiting class with the addition of Zyon Guiles, a four-star offensive lineman. Guiles made his decision official last Tuesday, pledging his future to the Gamecocks.

Ranked as the 157th best player in the nation, the 14th best offensive tackle, and the third best player in South Carolina, Guiles is a significant pickup for the program. His commitment comes after heavy interest from top programs like Auburn, Clemson, Florida, and Georgia. However, with his official pledge now in place, it’s possible that his previously scheduled official visits to those schools will be called off.

Guiles becomes the second offensive lineman to commit to South Carolina for the 2026 class, bolstering the Gamecocks’ depth at a crucial position. With Guiles on board, Coach Beamer will now turn his attention to further enhancing the offensive line through this recruiting cycle.

As South Carolina continues to add high-caliber talent, the future of the program at Williams-Brice Stadium is looking more promising with each passing day.

In today’s live coverage, the Elite Eight clash between the South Carolina Gamecocks and the Duke Blue Devils’ women’s basketball teams is set to be a high-stakes showdown. With a No. 1 seed going head-to-head against a No. 2 seed, it’s sure to be a thrilling match.

However, for those hoping to see an upset of the reigning national champions, expectations might need to be tempered.

The Gamecocks, under Dawn Staley, are heavily favored heading into this Sunday’s contest. ESPN’s Matchup Predictor gives them a commanding 78.7 percent chance to secure a victory. Meanwhile, the Blue Devils are sitting with a much slimmer 21.3 percent chance of taking down South Carolina and advancing to the Final Four.

There are solid reasons behind South Carolina’s status as the favorite. As a No. 1 seed, they’ve proven their mettle and are well-versed in what it takes to succeed at this stage of the tournament.

Their offensive depth has been on full display throughout the NCAA Tournament, even amid a few struggles. In the opening round, Joyce Edwards contributed 22 points in their victory over the Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles. Then, senior guard Bree Hall added 11 points in their second-round win against the Indiana Hoosiers. In the Sweet 16, MiLaysia Fulwiley took charge, scoring an impressive 23 points in the win over the Maryland Terrapins.

In contrast, Duke’s offense has been shaky during March Madness. Their most impressive performance came in the first round, when they defeated the Lehigh Mountain Hawks 86-25. However, in the subsequent rounds, they have struggled to score, failing to surpass 60 points. In their Sweet 16 win over the North Carolina Tar Heels, Kara Lawson’s squad managed only 49 points, including two quarters where they scored just nine.

The Gamecocks and Blue Devils also met earlier this season during the 2024-25 campaign. In the SEC/ACC Challenge on December 5, Duke visited the Colonial Life Arena, where South Carolina opened the game with a dominant 28-12 first-quarter lead. The Gamecocks eventually held off a late push from Duke, securing an 81-70 victory.

Of course, anything can happen on game day, but as it stands, Duke’s chances of pulling off an upset appear slim.

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‘Zyon Guiles’ Chooses South Carolina, Boosting Gamecocks’ 2026 Recruiting Class

Shane Beamer and the South Carolina Gamecocks have just landed a key commitment for their 2026 recruiting class with the addition of Zyon Guiles, a four-star offensive lineman. Guiles made his decision official last Tuesday, pledging his future to the Gamecocks.

Ranked as the 157th best player in the nation, the 14th best offensive tackle, and the third best player in South Carolina, Guiles is a significant pickup for the program. His commitment comes after heavy interest from top programs like Auburn, Clemson, Florida, and Georgia. However, with his official pledge now in place, it’s possible that his previously scheduled official visits to those schools will be called off.

Guiles becomes the second offensive lineman to commit to South Carolina for the 2026 class, bolstering the Gamecocks’ depth at a crucial position. With Guiles on board, Coach Beamer will now turn his attention to further enhancing the offensive line through this recruiting cycle.

As South Carolina continues to add high-caliber talent, the future of the program at Williams-Brice Stadium is looking more promising with each passing day.

Live Update from March Madness – South Carolina Advances to Elite Eight

The South Carolina Gamecocks are heading to the Elite Eight after a thrilling 66-60 victory over Maryland, narrowly escaping the Sweet 16. With time winding down and South Carolina trailing 60-59 with just 3:25 left, MiLaysia Fulwiley delivered when her team needed it most, sparking a game-changing 7-0 run that ultimately sealed the win.

South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley praised Fulwiley’s resilience, saying, “She was the one who really could manufacture her own shots. Make baskets. She just wants to win. I think in those moments I can coach her the most.”

Fulwiley’s explosive play, including a coast-to-coast drive and clutch free throws, was unstoppable. Maryland head coach Brenda Frese acknowledged her dominance, stating, “No one in the country has anyone to match that type of speed. We were trying to corral her with two or three players. I thought she was no question the most valuable player in this game. She played 20 minutes and had 23 points. We had no answer for her. That’s how elite she is with her speed.”

Her dazzling performance was evident in the third quarter. After a brilliant assist to Te-Hina Paopao, Fulwiley then stunned with a behind-the-back jumper that gave the Gamecocks a crucial two-point lead heading into the final period.

Reflecting on her impact, Fulwiley said, “Just went out there and tried to help my team to get closer to our next goal, which was the Elite Eight, and I did that.”

Next Up next, South Carolina will face off against Duke in the Elite Eight this Sunday. Duke secured their spot earlier Friday with a 47-38 win over ACC rival North Carolina. Stay tuned for more March Madness updates!

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Georgia Connected to 6-Foot-7 Transfer Portal Prospect Following Standout Season

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.

The South Carolina Gamecocks, ranked No. 2, are set to face the No. 7 Duke Blue Devils in a highly anticipated Elite Eight matchup of the NCAA Tournament this Sunday at 1 p.m. EDT. This game marks the second meeting between the two teams this season, with South Carolina having previously triumphed 81-70 in their Dec. 6 matchup.

South Carolina comes into this game with an impressive 33-3 record, boasting an 18-1 mark in the SEC. Their dominance has been on full display throughout the season, with key performances coming from *Chloe Kitts*, who leads the Gamecocks in offensive rebounds with 2.9 per game. The Gamecocks also average 5.8 made 3-pointers per game, surpassing Duke’s defensive average of 4.4.

On the other side, *Duke* holds a record of 29-7, with an 18-4 record in ACC play. The Blue Devils have a solid 34.0% shooting average from beyond the arc, ranking seventh in the ACC. Despite their strong offense, they face a challenge in terms of shooting efficiency, as South Carolina’s opponents have shot just 35.3% against them.

When we look at key players, *Te-Hina Paopao* has been a steady presence for the Gamecocks, shooting 36.4% from three-point range and averaging 9.5 points per game. *MiLaysia Fulwiley* has also been crucial, averaging 13.8 points and two steals over the past ten games. For Duke, *Taina Mair* has been a consistent contributor, posting 6.8 points, 3.7 assists, and 1.5 steals, while *Ashlon Jackson* is averaging 12.3 points over the last ten games.

As for their recent form, South Carolina is on an absolute tear, winning all 10 of their last games. They’ve averaged 81.4 points per game during this stretch, dominating in nearly every facet of the game, including rebounds, assists, and blocks. Meanwhile, Duke has gone 9-1 over their last 10, averaging 67.1 points and showcasing a tough defensive game.

The stakes are high for both teams as they battle for a spot in the Final Four. Stay tuned for more updates as the action unfolds.

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South Carolina vs Maryland Predictions – Gamecocks Are the Clear Favorite

In a highly anticipated Sweet Sixteen matchup, the South Carolina Gamecocks are poised as the heavy favorite to take on Maryland in the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament this Friday. South Carolina heads into the game as the clear favorite, with Maryland coming off a thrilling overtime victory against Alabama that kept their hopes alive.

Both teams have shown their resilience throughout the season, picking up significant wins along the way, and both will be battle-tested as they face off in this crucial contest. But what do the experts think about this matchup?

ESPN recently revealed its predictions for the game, and the Gamecocks were a unanimous choice across the board. Here’s how the experts see it:

• Andrea Adelson: South Carolina 70, Maryland 55
• Kendra Andrews: South Carolina 73, Maryland 59
• Katie Barnes: South Carolina 75, Maryland 59
• Charlie Creme: South Carolina 68, Maryland 47
• Kevin Pelton: South Carolina 84, Maryland 68
• Alexa Philippou: South Carolina 81, Maryland 67
• Michael Voepel: South Carolina 85, Maryland 70

One of the key reasons behind this overwhelming support for South Carolina comes from ESPN’s Charlie Creme, who highlighted the Gamecocks’ depth as a major advantage in their tournament run. “Depth. Having the ability to play as many as 10 players, use multiple combinations, and rely on the most productive bench in the country gives Dawn Staley a game-planning advantage,” Creme explained. “She can pivot off what isn’t working until she finds what does. From fifth-year senior Te-Hina Paopao to freshman Joyce Edwards, seven different players led the Gamecocks in scoring in a game this season. At some point this tournament, the Gamecocks will need that one individual to step up for a big moment. That time isn’t now.”

As the Gamecocks prepare for this highly anticipated showdown, they’ll rely on their depth and versatility to push them through to the Elite Eight.

Stay tuned for more updates on this thrilling tournament journey and follow our coverage with the latest insights from Fisher Brewer, Alex Joyce, Matthew Peavy, Isaiah Collins, Joseph Griffin, Luke Brumm, and more. Don’t forget to follow us on social media and check out our YouTube channel for in-depth video content!

LIVE UPDATE: South Carolina Women’s Basketball Team Prepares for Sweet Sixteen Matchup Against Maryland

South Carolina women’s basketball head coach Dawn Staley is gearing up to lead her team into battle against Maryland on Friday in the Sweet Sixteen of the NCAA Tournament in Birmingham, Alabama. The showdown between the 1-seed Gamecocks and the 4-seed Terrapins is expected to be an intense one. The winner of this game will face the victor of the North Carolina vs. Duke matchup in the Elite Eight, scheduled for Sunday or Monday.

Both teams have been in Birmingham for practice sessions and media events ahead of their pivotal tournament clash.

During Thursday’s media availability, Maryland’s star player Shyanne Sellers took the opportunity to praise South Carolina’s frontcourt. “I know people like to talk about, you know, missing Kamilla Cardoso and Aliyah Boston, but I think Sania Feagin, Chloe Kitts, and Joyce Edwards have done a great job of stepping up,” Sellers remarked. “So, you know, I think they’ve gotten disrespected a lot. I think they’ve stepped up and knocked it out of the park. It’s just going to be a battle of wills at this point.”

Sellers, a seasoned veteran for the Terrapins, certainly knows what she’s talking about. Having faced South Carolina four times throughout her career — all losses — she has witnessed firsthand the dominance of Boston and Cardoso in previous matchups. She even faced them together during the 2022-2023 season.

Sellers acknowledges just how impactful those post players were for South Carolina and now fully appreciates the Gamecocks’ current group of bigs. Last season, Kitts and Feagin combined for 21 points and 16 rebounds in a game against Maryland. Although Sellers hasn’t played against Edwards yet, the freshman has already shown tremendous promise with a stellar debut season.

Edwards has had an impressive first year, earning first-team All-SEC honors. Meanwhile, Kitts and Feagin have recently stepped up their performances, with Kitts earning honorable mention All-America honors and Feagin securing a spot on the SEC All-Defensive team.

For the season, the trio of Kitts, Feagin, and Edwards has been putting up remarkable numbers: a combined 31.4 points and 17.3 rebounds per game, with each of them shooting better than 50%. Edwards has been the most consistent scorer for South Carolina, hitting double digits in 25 games. Kitts leads the team in rebounds, boasting nine double-doubles and a triple-double, while also excelling as a playmaker from the high post. Feagin has emerged as the Gamecocks’ premier post defender, especially following Ashlyn Watkins’ ACL injury in January.

While Maryam Dauda, Adhel Tac, and Sakima Walker could see some playing time against Maryland, it’s expected that Edwards, Kitts, and Feagin will be the primary posts in South Carolina’s rotation.

As the Gamecocks aim to defend their national title, all eyes will be on Edwards, Kitts, and Feagin, who will be key to continuing their championship run.

The much-anticipated game between South Carolina and Maryland is set to tip off at 5:00 p.m. ET on Friday, with ESPN broadcasting the contest live. You can also catch the game streaming on the ESPN app.

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) — South Carolina’s women’s basketball team is moving on to the next round of the NCAA Tournament after surviving a scare from No. 4 Maryland in the Sweet 16. The top-seeded Gamecocks (33-3) came out on top, securing a 71-67 victory at Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Alabama, thanks to a sensational fourth-quarter performance by sophomore star MiLaysia Fulwiley, who finished with a game-high 23 points.

The Terrapins, who fought hard until the final seconds, committed five turnovers in the game’s last two minutes, including two crucial miscues on in-bounds plays, allowing South Carolina to seal the win.

“We’re a resilient group,” South Carolina head coach Dawn Staley remarked after the game.

Elite Eight Bound

With the win, South Carolina advances to its fifth consecutive Elite Eight. This victory sets up a highly anticipated showdown with No. 2 Duke on Sunday at 1 p.m. (ABC). The Gamecocks previously defeated Duke 81-70 in Columbia earlier this season.

A Slow Start

South Carolina struggled early, trailing at halftime 33-31. This marked the second time in this NCAA Tournament that the Gamecocks were behind at the break. Despite leading throughout most of the first quarter, Maryland surged ahead in the second, taking their first lead with just over six minutes left and holding onto it for the remainder of the half.

Both teams struggled offensively in the first half, with Maryland shooting 35.7% from the field and South Carolina at just 31.6%. Chloe Kitts was the standout early for the Gamecocks, scoring the first 10 points of the game. Fulwiley followed up with a seven-point run of her own, but outside of these two, South Carolina struggled, shooting just 4 of 20 from the field.

In addition, three players—Te-Hina Paopao, Sania Feagin, and Tessa Johnson—were plagued by early foul trouble, with Paopao playing just six minutes in the first half.

Back-and-Forth Battle

The third quarter saw Maryland push their lead to as many as seven points, their largest of the game, after opening the half with a 10-6 run. Yet, South Carolina kept fighting, with Staley praising her team’s resilience: “I just think our team has been through so much. They’re unshakeable. They’re unflappable. Our conference gives us a lot of confidence to be able to be in a tight-knit game and find a way to win because that’s what it’s about at this stage of the game.”

A quick 7-0 run by the Gamecocks late in the third quarter allowed them to regain the lead for the first time since midway through the second. South Carolina outshot Maryland 72.7% to 41.2% in the third, outscoring the Terrapins 21-17 to take a slim 52-50 lead into the final period.

The game was a tense back-and-forth affair, with both teams exchanging leads at least seven times, and neither team leading by more than seven points.

Fulwiley Shines in the Fourth

In the final quarter, Fulwiley took control of the game, scoring 11 of her 23 points to help push the Gamecocks ahead. Kitts, who finished with 15 points, was the only other South Carolina player in double figures.

“I think every game I feel like I need to do more,” Fulwiley said. “My teammates tell me every game that I need to be on top of my game, do what I do best—driving or scoring. I think today I was just locked in and determined.”

What’s Next

South Carolina will face off against Duke in the Elite Eight, looking to advance to their second consecutive Final Four.

Next Game:

• Who: South Carolina vs. Duke
• When: Sunday, 1 p.m.
• Where: Legacy Arena, Birmingham, Alabama
• TV: ABC
• Stream: ESPN app

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) — In a thrilling Sweet 16 matchup, No. 1 seed South Carolina emerged victorious over fourth-seeded Maryland, 71-67, thanks to a standout performance from MiLaysia Fulwiley, who scored 23 points, including a crucial go-ahead layup with 2:22 remaining. Chloe Kitts was also key, contributing 15 points and 11 rebounds in the win.

It was a back-and-forth battle throughout the game, with the defending national champions facing off against the Terrapins. However, South Carolina found their rhythm in the final minutes, securing the victory. The Gamecocks will now face Duke in the Elite Eight on Sunday after the Blue Devils defeated North Carolina 47-38 earlier that day.

South Carolina trailed 60-59 with 3:25 to go, but the Gamecocks held Maryland scoreless for the next three minutes. Fulwiley’s layup sparked a 7-0 run, and Kitts contributed three free throws while Fulwiley added a coast-to-coast score, giving South Carolina a 66-60 lead with just 25 seconds left. Although Maryland’s Saylor Poffenbarger hit a three-pointer to break the Terps’ scoring drought, South Carolina sealed the win by converting five of six free throws in the final moments, including two from Fulwiley with 10.9 seconds remaining, extending the lead to 71-65.

Maryland’s Kaylene Smikle led her team with 17 points before fouling out, but it wasn’t enough to overcome South Carolina’s strong finish.

Neither team could establish a consistent offensive flow through the first three quarters, with South Carolina trailing 43-39 late in the third. However, they closed out the period on a 13-7 run, capped by an incredible transition basket from Fulwiley, who made a behind-the-back move before hitting a pull-up jumper.

This was the second time the teams had met in the NCAA Tournament, with South Carolina having previously defeated Maryland 86-75 in last year’s Elite Eight.

Gamecock Highlights:

• South Carolina advances to its fifth consecutive Elite Eight, marking the eighth such appearance under Head Coach Dawn Staley and the ninth in program history.
• The Gamecocks’ bench continued to dominate, outscoring Maryland’s 40-14.
• South Carolina won the rebound battle 47-34 and played evenly with Maryland in the paint, 32-32. The Gamecocks are now 33-1 when tying or outscoring opponents in the paint.
• MiLaysia Fulwiley was just one point shy of her career high with 23, contributing 11 points in the decisive fourth quarter, pushing the Gamecocks’ lead to six with a minute remaining.
• Chloe Kitts had an explosive start, scoring 10 of her 15 points in the first five minutes and grabbing five of her 11 rebounds for her 11th double-double of the season.
• Sania Feagin chipped in with seven points, including two crucial free throws in the fourth quarter, keeping South Carolina ahead by six in the closing seconds.

This victory sets up a rematch with Duke, whom the Gamecocks defeated 81-70 in Columbia on December 5.

In a game that shifted dramatically between the first and second halves, Maryland held its ground but ultimately fell short against South Carolina. The Terps led by two at halftime, 33-31, thanks to their ability to capitalize on free throws, with Smikle contributing five of her nine points from the line.

“We wanted to pack the paint, battle on the glass, and I thought we did that to the very end,” said Frese, highlighting Maryland’s defensive strategy that kept South Carolina from exploiting their usual dominance in the paint. The Terps were unselfish in their half-court offense, exploiting defensive gaps in the Gamecocks’ rotations.

Maryland’s defense was a standout, as they forced South Carolina into tough looks inside, limiting their ability to score in the paint, an area where they typically excel.

However, the Gamecocks mounted a comeback in the third quarter, starting with a 7-0 run that pushed them ahead. After a timeout, Frese’s squad regrouped; Smikle scored a layup, and then Te-Biasu stole a pass from Fulwiley and nailed a transition three, putting Maryland back up by four. But as the third quarter closed, the Gamecocks began to find their rhythm.

The game saw intense back-and-forth action in the fourth quarter, with Allie Kubek, nicknamed “Automatic Allie” by Frese, hitting critical shots. Kubek finished a perfect 5-for-5, contributing 12 points. The lead changed hands four times in a three-minute span, with Maryland refusing to give up.

However, a pivotal moment came when Kubek fouled out with just over three minutes remaining. Without their primary interior presence, Saylor Poffenbarger and Christina Dalce struggled, shooting a combined 2-for-13 from inside the paint.

With the game on the line, Maryland’s offense faltered, failing to score for a crucial three-minute stretch. This allowed South Carolina to extend their lead to six with just 34 seconds left. Five turnovers in the final two minutes kept the Terps from getting the key shots they needed. A three-pointer from Poffenbarger briefly brought Maryland within three, but a costly turnover on the Sellers inbounds pass essentially sealed the game for South Carolina.

Despite the loss, it was a strong, competitive performance from Maryland. “I think we executed the game plan to a tee,” Sellers said. “It came down to missing more free throws than we usually do and a couple of stops at the end. But ultimately, I’m super proud of this group, proud of the way we fought. People thought we were going to get crushed by 20, but I think we set the record straight to stop doubting Maryland again and again.”

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — South Carolina women’s basketball narrowly escaped a tense Sweet 16 matchup against No. 4 Maryland, securing a 71-67 victory and advancing to their fifth consecutive Elite Eight. The Gamecocks (33-3), who are the No. 1 seed, will face No. 2 Duke on Sunday at 1 p.m. in Legacy Arena, part of the Birmingham 2 Regional.

This upcoming clash is a rematch from the SEC/ACC Challenge back on December 5, where the Blue Devils (29-7) fought back late but ultimately fell short in a 81-70 defeat at Colonial Life Arena. Since then, Duke has bounced back with impressive wins, including a victory over UNC in the Sweet 16.

Here’s what to know heading into Sunday’s Elite Eight game:

South Carolina, Duke Head into Rematch After Struggles on Offense

Duke’s offense struggled in their Sweet 16 win over UNC, scoring 10 or fewer points in three of the four quarters. After trailing 11-0 to start the game, the Blue Devils managed to score 19 points in the second quarter but finished the game shooting just 31% from the field (18-of-52) and converted only 5-of-24 from beyond the arc.

South Carolina didn’t fare much better, finishing at 38% from the field (25-of-65) and hitting just 4-of-15 on three-pointers. Despite both teams’ offensive inefficiencies, Sunday’s game promises to be a defensive battle.

Duke’s Guard-Forward Duo Presents a Challenge for Staley’s Defense

South Carolina coach Dawn Staley acknowledged concerns about her team’s defensive execution against Maryland, and now, they face a dangerous Duke duo that’s been leading the charge offensively. Forward Toby Fournier averages 13.4 points per game, while guard Ashlon Jackson is right behind at 12.5. Jackson brings speed and shooting range, capable of sinking quick 3-pointers, while Fournier prefers to work inside.

In their first matchup, neither player scored more than eight points, but in the games that followed, Fournier exploded for over 20 points. Staley’s defense will need to contain this versatile duo to keep Duke from gaining momentum.

South Carolina vs. Duke: A Battle of Defensive Powerhouses

Defensively, South Carolina ranks 32nd in the country, allowing just 57.3 points per game, though Duke edges them out slightly at 29th with 57.1 points allowed. While both teams struggled offensively in their respective Sweet 16 games, South Carolina boasts a much higher average, scoring 80.8 points per game (12th in the nation), while Duke averages 73.8.

Both teams excel at forcing tough shots and playing disciplined, one-on-one defense, which should make for an intense, low-scoring affair.

Key Players for South Carolina: Edwards, Fulwiley, and Kitts

Sophomore guard MiLaysia Fulwiley was a standout against Maryland, scoring 23 points, while Chloe Kitts delivered a double-double with 15 points and 11 rebounds. However, freshman forward Joyce Edwards, who leads the team with an average of 13.2 points per game, has struggled in the last two games. Edwards scored only five points against Indiana and six points on Friday, facing increased pressure from opponents in the post.

South Carolina’s bench depth, led by Kitts and Fulwiley, will be crucial, as they aim to keep their momentum going. Both players were key to the team’s success in the SEC Tournament and will look to continue that form in the Elite Eight.

Experience vs. Youth: March Madness History

One significant factor that could play in South Carolina’s favor is experience. With multiple national championships under their belt, Coach Dawn Staley knows her team has what it takes to perform in high-stress games. Meanwhile, Duke is in its first Elite Eight appearance since 2013, marking Kara Lawson’s farthest run with the Blue Devils.

Duke has had its struggles in recent seasons, falling in the Sweet 16 in 2024 to UConn and to Colorado in the second round in 2023. This year, however, they’ve made a significant run, and Coach Lawson will be looking to use the team’s momentum to challenge South Carolina’s dominance.

The Prediction: South Carolina vs. Duke

Looking ahead to Sunday’s matchup, the prediction is that South Carolina will come out on top, with a 74-65 victory over Duke. Despite their recent performances, the Gamecocks are determined to play better and stronger against a talented Blue Devils squad.