Gamecock Digest

NCAA WBB Preview: Battle of The Carolinas Round Two

Joseph Griffin

Mar 22, 2024; Columbia, SC, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Dawn Staley directs her team
Mar 22, 2024; Columbia, SC, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Dawn Staley directs her team / Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports

As the South Carolina women's basketball program gears up for the second round of the NCAA tournament, the stakes are high, and the air is charged with anticipation. It's a familiar matchup and a rivalry renewed as the Gamecocks prepare to face off against the North Carolina Tar Heels, a team they already bested earlier in the season.

On November 30th, South Carolina faced a stern test against the then-24th-ranked Tar Heels in Chapel Hill. The game displayed resilience and tenacity as the Gamecocks clawed back from an 11-point deficit to claim a hard-fought 65-58 victory. Bree Hall emerged as the leading scorer that night, putting up 15 points. Fast-forward to Sunday afternoon and the stage is set for a dramatic reprise as South Carolina and North Carolina cross paths once again after the Tar Heels survived a late scare in the first round against Michigan State.

The Gamecocks' return of Kamilla Cardoso is a significant boost. Her presence in the paint has been a difference-maker throughout the season, and her ability to dominate on both ends of the floor will be vital in the upcoming battle. Cardoso's rebounding, shot-blocking, and scoring prowess add layers to the Gamecocks' formidable lineup.

Another key factor for South Carolina is the leadership of Raven Johnson, who is almost like an extension of Coach Dawn Staley on the court. Her court vision, decision-making, and poise under pressure serve as the team's compass, especially in the high-stakes environment of the NCAA tournament. Johnson's ability to orchestrate the offense and her defensive tenacity will be instrumental in navigating the challenges a talented North Carolina squad poses.

Playing on home turf adds another layer of advantage for the Gamecocks. The home crowd, known for its passionate support, will create an electrifying atmosphere that fuels the team. This home-court advantage cannot be underestimated, as it can lift players during critical moments and swing momentum in South Carolina's favor.

As these two storied programs prepare to lock horns once more, the Gamecocks know that nothing can be taken for granted. The Tar Heels' ability to push a talented Michigan State team to the brink in the first round is a testament to their depth and resilience. It will undoubtedly be a fierce contest, with both teams looking to assert dominance and advance further into the tournament.

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Joseph Griffin

JOSEPH GRIFFIN