NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 Preview: No. 4-seed Maryland Women’s Basketball vs. No. 1-seed South Carolina
The Sweet 16 of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament is set to feature a thrilling showdown between the No. 4-seed Maryland Terrapins and the defending national champions, No. 1-seed South Carolina Gamecocks. With both teams coming off dominant wins in the previous rounds, this matchup promises to be a high-stakes, high-intensity battle for a spot in the Elite Eight.
Maryland, led by head coach Brenda Frese, has been a force throughout the tournament, showcasing a balanced offense and dynamic playmaking. The Terrapins rely heavily on their star guard, Diamond Miller, who has been outstanding in the tournament so far. Miller’s ability to score in a variety of ways—whether driving to the basket, hitting mid-range shots, or knocking down three-pointers—makes her a constant threat. Alongside Miller, players like Shyanne Sellers and Leah Brown have been stepping up to provide crucial support, making Maryland a well-rounded team that is difficult to defend.
However, the challenge of facing South Carolina is a formidable one. The Gamecocks, coached by Dawn Staley, are the top seed for a reason. With a roster full of elite talent, including two-time Naismith Player of the Year Aliyah Boston, South Carolina has been dominant on both ends of the floor. Boston, who has been a consistent force in the tournament, anchors the team’s defense while providing offensive firepower in the post. Additionally, South Carolina’s guard play—led by Zia Cooke and Bree Hall—has been exceptional, with the Gamecocks pushing the ball in transition and executing their offense with precision.
This matchup will be defined by Maryland’s ability to keep pace with South Carolina’s physicality and defensive prowess. The Gamecocks have been tough to break down defensively, but Maryland’s high-powered offense could challenge them in ways they haven’t faced yet this tournament. The winner of this Sweet 16 clash will advance to the Elite Eight with their eyes firmly set on a national championship.
