Gamecocks to Face Terrapins in Sweet 16 Showdown Friday

COLUMBIA, S.C. – The No. 2 South Carolina Gamecocks will battle the No. 4 Maryland Terrapins in the NCAA Women’s Basketball Sweet 16 on Friday, March 28, at 5 p.m. ET at Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Alabama, broadcast live on ESPN.

This marks the Gamecocks’ 11th consecutive appearance in the Sweet 16, a streak underscored by their strong performance this season. They enter this matchup with a 32-3 record, having secured their spot by defeating No. 9 seed Indiana 64-53 in the second round following a dominant 108-48 victory over No. 16 Tennessee Tech.

South Carolina boasts a favorable all-time record of 6-2 against Maryland, including a 91-52 win earlier this season. In that matchup, the Gamecocks took control with a strong second quarter, outscoring the Terrapins and demonstrating their dominance on the boards.

Gamecocks head coach Dawn Staley leads the squad with a stellar 94-27 record in neutral site games, including a remarkable 59-17 in postseason competitions. “The team is looking focused and ready for this challenge,” Staley commented during a press conference. “Every game at this level is tough, and we respect Maryland’s capabilities.”

For the Gamecocks, Raven Johnson stands just six assists away from joining the program’s top 10 for career assists in her relatively short collegiate career. Her contribution will be critical against Maryland’s defense.

Maryland, with a record of 25-7, reached the Sweet 16 after a thrilling double-overtime victory over No. 5 Alabama, winning 111-108. The Terrapins aim to continue their strong tournament run, which marks their fourth Sweet 16 appearance in the last five years.

Both teams have faced tough opponents this season, with South Carolina holding a 17-3 record against teams in the full tournament field. They are also 12-3 against ranked teams this year, a number that speaks to their strength and preparation for high-stakes matchups.

As the Sweet 16 tips off, experts are predicting a strong outing for South Carolina, with unanimous predictions favoring the Gamecocks to advance further in the NCAA Tournament.

“The Gamecocks have put in the work, and it shows,” noted a sports analyst. “They have the experience and depth that can carry them through intense games like this one against Maryland.”

The Sweet 16 matchup is not only a chance for both teams to solidify their season but also an opportunity for individual players to rise to the occasion on a national stage, all eyes will be on Birmingham for what promises to be an exciting contest.