Gamecocks Enter NCAA Tournament as Favorites Despite Past Losses

COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Gamecocks enter the 2025 NCAA women’s basketball tournament with a 30-3 record, aiming for their fifth consecutive Final Four appearance. Despite sharing the Southeastern Conference (SEC) regular-season title and winning the conference tournament, they are not the top-ranked team in the Associated Press poll, a notable departure from previous seasons.

South Carolina faced a significant setback earlier in the season, suffering a 29-point loss to a rival on February 16. Nevertheless, they have rebounded strongly, dominating the competition in their last seven games, six of which earned NCAA tournament berths. Coach Dawn Staley‘s team is once again seen as a national championship contender, although other teams have emerged as strong challengers.

The Gamecocks’ depth and talent offer significant hope for fans. Key players include junior forward who was named SEC tournament MVP and senior player with standout performances this season. Together, they average over 31 points and 17 rebounds per game.

In addition to strong frontcourt contributions, the guard group, including various talented players, provides a balanced offensive and defensive approach, ensuring that the pressure does not fall upon any single player. South Carolina’s recent losses have motivated the team, sharpening their focus as they prepare for the tournament.

As South Carolina positions itself as a favorite, a group of rival teams is looking to disrupt their path to the championship. The UCLA Bruins, with a 30-2 record, are seen as a significant threat. After winning the Big Ten conference championship against the same crosstown rival they lost to during the regular season, UCLA is poised for a deep tournament run. Center has established herself as a dominant force, contributing nearly 20 points and 10 rebounds per game.

The Connecticut Huskies (31-3), who previously dominated in NCAA titles, are also contenders. After navigating through multiple injuries, the Huskies aim to reclaim their championship status led by standout players including guard .

Additionally, the University of Southern California (USC) boasts a strong lineup with a 28-3 record and is led by sophomore guard who averages nearly 25 points per game. They have maintained teamwork and star power as they look towards securing another national title.

While the Notre Dame Fighting Irish (26-5) have faced some recent struggles, their impressive guard play puts them in contention. Led by a scoring average of 24.2 points, they aim to leverage their previous successes against top-ranked opponents in the NCAA tournament.

On the other hand, the Texas Longhorns (31-3) have shown formidable defense throughout the SEC season, but they will need to enhance their offensive game to support their championship ambitions. Coach Vic Schaefer‘s team is capable but must elevate their scoring efficiency.

As the tournament progresses, predictions may shift with surprises that typically characterize NCAA play. The field is wide open, and each team has a fighting chance at glory come tournament time.