South Carolina preview

No. 1 seed South Carolina women's basketball, the defending, champs will face No. 4 Maryland on Friday at 5 p.m. ET (ESPN) at Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Alabama, in their 11th consecutive Sweet 16.

The team made it past the second round of the 2025 NCAA tournament with a 64-53 win over No. 9 seed Indiana on Sunday.   Before beating the Hoosiers, coach Dawn Staley's squad beat Tennessee Tech 108-48 in the opening round.

In double overtime, Maryland defeated No. 5 Alabama 111-108 on Monday to reach its fourth Sweet 16 in five years.

This Sweet 16 matchup is significant as it highlights South Carolina's continued dominance in women's college basketball. A win would bring them one step closer to defending their national title and further cement their legacy under Coach Dawn Staley. Additionally, facing a strong opponent like Maryland provides an opportunity to showcase their skills and resilience on a national stage.    South Carolina's strategy for maintaining their winning streak includes a strong emphasis on defense, which has been a cornerstone of their success. Coach Dawn Staley also prioritizes developing depth in the roster, allowing for relentless pressure throughout the game without tiring key players. Furthermore, the team focuses on effective communication and teamwork, ensuring that each player understands their role and can execute plays smoothly on the court.

This should be a good game, so grab your popcorn and buckle up.