NC State women’s basketball vs South Carolina score prediction

NC State women’s basketball is back in the Final Four for the first time in 26 years. The Wolfpack (31-6) pulled off a third upset in less than a week on Sunday, beating Texas in the Elite Eight and clinching its spot in Friday’s Final Four in Columbus, Ohio. However, NC State faces an uphill battle and will need to upset the undefeated South Carolina Gamecocks to compete for a national championship.

Here’s everything you need to know about South Carolina women’s basketball:

Fast facts

Nickname: Gamecocks

conference: SEC

2023-24 Record: 36-0

Head Coach: Dawn Staley (16th season)

Conference Season Finish: First

Conference Tournament Finish: First

This season

Despite losing five WNBA draft picks from last year’s squad, Dawn Staley again showed why she’s one of the greatest coaches in the history of women’s basketball, leading the Gamecocks to a second straight perfect regular season and a fourth straight Final Four appearance.

In March Madness, SC claimed the No. 1 overall seed won in dominating fashion against 16-seed Presbyterian and 8-seed North Carolina. 4-seed Indiana gave the Gamecocks a scare in the Sweet 16, but South Carolina managed to survive and advance against the Hoosiers before beating 3-seed Oregon State on Sunday afternoon.

Players to watch

Unlike many years in the Dawn Staley era, the Gamecocks don’t have a single dominant player the offense is built around. This season, senior center Kamilla Cardoso came the closest to filling that role. Cardoso saved her best performance for her last collegiate season: she’s averaging career-highs in points, rebounds, and assists per game.

More March Madness: Duke women’s basketball’s late comeback falls short against UConn’s women in the Sweet 16

Aside from her, freshman MiLaysia Fulwiley has broken out as a star in March. Despite starting just three games this season, Fulwiley was named the SEC Tournament MVP after averaging 14.3 points — and shooting over 60% from three — in the conference tournament.

Prediction

South Carolina 78, NC State 65: It’s hard to see anyone beating South Carolina this year. NC State may keep it close for a quarter or two, but the Wolfpack — much like the rest of women’s basketball — won’t be able to keep up with Staley for much longer.