South Carolina vs. Maryland Women’s Basketball: Series History, Team Strengths and Game Prediction
The No. 1 South Carolina Gamecocks are preparing for a challenging season opener against the No. 20 Maryland Terrapins, with the two programs set to meet on November 2, 2026, at Adidas Arena in Paris, France. The international matchup will provide an early test for Dawn Staley’s team as it begins another campaign with championship expectations.
Although South Carolina enters as the higher-ranked team and the favorite on paper, Maryland has the talent and offensive potential to make this a competitive contest. The Terrapins have also shown encouraging signs during their exhibition games, giving both teams reasons to approach the opener with confidence.
Series History: South Carolina Holds the Advantage
7
South Carolina wins
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Maryland wins
South Carolina holds a 7–2 advantage in the recent series history recorded on Maryland’s official game center, giving the Gamecocks a strong historical position heading into the Paris meeting.
The most recent meeting came on March 28, 2025, when South Carolina defeated Maryland 71–67. That result demonstrated how closely contested the matchup can become, even when the Gamecocks manage to emerge victorious.
Earlier meetings have also featured some high-scoring performances. South Carolina defeated Maryland 114–76 on November 12, 2023, and won 86–75 on March 27, 2023. The Gamecocks also secured an 81–56 victory in November 2022.
The history favors South Carolina, but previous results cannot guarantee another win. Maryland will have an opportunity to challenge the Gamecocks with a refreshed roster and a new season ahead.
South Carolina’s Strengths: Depth, Versatility and Championship Experience
South Carolina enters the matchup with the advantage of a deeper roster, several experienced contributors and a collection of talented newcomers. The Gamecocks are ranked No. 1 in the preseason AP Top 25, receiving 23 of 31 first-place votes.
Their final exhibition offered an encouraging preview. South Carolina overwhelmed Benedict 113–34, with Tessa Johnson and freshman Jerzy Robinson scoring 17 points apiece, while Joyce Edwards added 15. Robinson also contributed 10 rebounds and five assists, demonstrating her ability to affect the game in multiple areas. ABC Columbia +1
The key strengths to watch include:
- Scoring versatility: Joyce Edwards gives the Gamecocks an important offensive option, while Tessa Johnson provides perimeter shooting and backcourt experience.
- Frontcourt depth: The returns of Chloe Kitts and Ashlyn Watkins give Staley more options around the basket. Madina Okot also adds size and rebounding ability.
- Defensive pressure: South Carolina can use its athleticism to disrupt passing lanes, force turnovers and create transition opportunities.
- Roster flexibility: Jordan Lee, Agot Makeer and Jerzy Robinson give the coaching staff different combinations to use against Maryland’s guards.
The biggest question is the point guard rotation. Raven Johnson is no longer on the roster, and Maddy McDaniel’s departure forced South Carolina to reconsider how it distributes ball-handling responsibilities. Tessa Johnson, Makeer, Robinson and newcomer Brooke Quarles-Daniels could all have roles in that arrangement.
If South Carolina handles Maryland’s pressure and establishes its frontcourt early, the Gamecocks will be difficult to contain.
Maryland’s Strengths: Scoring Power and Experienced Guards
Maryland should not be underestimated simply because it sits outside the preseason top 10. The Terrapins are ranked No. 20 in the AP poll and No. 17 in the coaches poll, and head coach Brenda Frese has assembled a roster combining returning production with new talent.
The Terps finished the 2025–26 campaign at 24–9 and reached the second round of the NCAA Tournament. Oluchi Okananwa is one of their most important returning players, bringing scoring ability, defensive intensity and experience. Addi Mack and Bri McDaniel also strengthen the backcourt, while McDaniel returns after missing last season while recovering from an ACL injury.
Maryland has already demonstrated its offensive potential in exhibition action. The Terps defeated Virginia Tech 93–82, led by Okananwa’s 23 points, Nunu Agara’s 20 and McDaniel’s 17. They then beat No. 12 North Carolina 72–68, providing another encouraging result ahead of the season opener.
Maryland’s main advantages are its scoring options, guard experience and ability to attack aggressively. If Okananwa and her teammates find their rhythm early, they could challenge South Carolina’s defense and force the Gamecocks to defend for long stretches.
The challenge for Maryland will be limiting South Carolina’s offensive rebounds, protecting the basketball and dealing with the Gamecocks’ size and athleticism.
Who Is Favored to Win?
South Carolina should be considered the favorite, based on its No. 1 national ranking, stronger historical record in this matchup, depth and championship-level expectations. However, Maryland’s exhibition wins suggest the Terrapins are capable of making the opener competitive.
This is a season-opening game, so neither team has yet been tested in a regular-season contest. Chemistry, composure and execution under pressure will matter as much as preseason rankings.
Prediction: South Carolina 82, Maryland 70.
The Gamecocks have more ways to create matchup problems, particularly if Edwards leads the interior attack and Johnson provides consistent perimeter scoring. Maryland has enough offensive talent to stay competitive, but South Carolina’s defensive pressure and depth could become decisive in the second half.
Ultimately, the Paris opener is an opportunity for both programs to make an early statement. Maryland can demonstrate that it belongs among the nation’s top teams, while South Carolina will aim to show why it begins the season ranked No. 1.
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