Reasons South Carolina Women’s Basketball May, or May Not, Repeat as National Champions

COLUMBIA — South Carolina’s women’s basketball team may be disappointed with being seeded as the No. 2 overall team, but they still claim one of the four coveted No. 1 regional spots.

The Gamecocks will begin their tournament journey on Friday at 4 p.m. (ESPN) at home in the Birmingham 2 Region, where they’ll face off against No. 16 Tennessee Tech (26-5).

At 30-3, South Carolina, the defending national champions, find themselves in unfamiliar territory compared to their undefeated season in 2024. Head coach Dawn Staley and her squad are hoping to recapture that championship magic in 2025. Will they pull it off?

Here’s a look at why South Carolina has the potential to become back-to-back national champions — and what could stand in their way.

Why South Carolina Can Win Their Fourth National Title

One of South Carolina’s biggest strengths is its depth. No team boasts a more productive bench than the Gamecocks, who average 41.5 points per game. This impressive statistic not only leads the nation but is nearly 10 points more than the second-best team, Illinois-Chicago (32.4).

Staley has successfully rotated players in and out, knowing that whoever steps onto the court can contribute both offensively and defensively. With a deep and versatile roster, South Carolina has been able to out-run opponents, leaving teams struggling to keep up.

What’s even more impressive is that Joyce Edwards and MiLaysia Fulwiley, the team’s two leading scorers, come off the bench. This dynamic can prove challenging for opponents, especially when they’re already fatigued from dealing with South Carolina’s starters.

South Carolina’s NCAA Tournament Experience

The Gamecocks’ NCAA tournament experience is another major advantage. South Carolina has made it to the Final Four for the last four years. Unlike teams such as Texas and Southern Cal, who also hold No. 1 seeds but lack extensive tournament experience, South Carolina has three starters who have participated in three Final Fours and won two national titles. This wealth of experience could give the Gamecocks the edge when navigating the mental and physical demands of March Madness.

Additionally, South Carolina has already faced some of the top teams in the Birmingham Regions. The Gamecocks have defeated Texas (No. 1 in Birmingham 4), TCU (No. 2 seed), Duke (No. 2), Alabama (No. 5), and Michigan (No. 6). This familiarity with top competition will be crucial as they move toward a potential Sweet 16 or Elite Eight.

Inconsistent Offense Could Derail Title Hopes

Despite their dominance, South Carolina has struggled with offensive inconsistency, especially in their three losses this season. At times, the Gamecocks have appeared hesitant, not necessarily because of strong opposing defenses but due to their own lack of aggression. This changed during the SEC Tournament, when Chloe Kitts and Sania Feagin began to take charge and demand the ball more.

South Carolina has been plagued by self-inflicted errors — one poor shooting night or a lack of offensive flow could lead to an early exit from the tournament.

South Carolina March Madness Prediction: Dawn Staley Claims Fourth National Title

The Gamecocks have had moments of brilliance, where they look unstoppable, but they’ve also shown signs of vulnerability. Still, they’ve managed to grow stronger with each game, particularly with their defensive prowess.

South Carolina possesses the talent and experience necessary to repeat as champions. Despite some critics who may be feeling “Dawn Staley fatigue,” the head coach could very well secure her fourth national title.