South Carolina Faces Stiff Competition in NCAA Title Chase – Can the Gamecocks Still Dominate?
Heading into March Madness, the South Carolina Gamecocks (30-3) find themselves in a different position than in recent years. Despite securing the SEC regular-season title and winning the conference tournament, the Gamecocks are not ranked No. 1 in the AP Poll. Their résumé includes a shocking 29-point home loss to UConn, raising questions about their championship dominance.
Still, South Carolina remains a strong favorite to reach its fifth consecutive Final Four, standing among a handful of true national title contenders. However, unlike previous seasons, this year’s championship race is wide open.
South Carolina Gamecocks: Still the Team to Beat?
Despite concerns earlier in the season, South Carolina’s frontcourt has emerged as a major asset. Junior Chloe Kitts, the SEC Tournament MVP, has stepped up, while senior Sania Feagin is having her best season yet. Freshman standout Joyce Edwards has also made a significant impact, helping the Gamecocks’ forwards average over 31 points and 17 rebounds per game.
Coach Dawn Staley’s deep and talented backcourt—featuring MiLaysia Fulwiley, Te-Hina Paopao, Tessa Johnson, Bree Hall, and Raven Johnson—ensures that no single player has to carry the scoring load.
The Gamecocks’ February losses to Texas and UConn appear to have refocused the team. They have dominated their past seven opponents, six of whom are projected NCAA Tournament teams. With the SEC proving to be one of the strongest conferences, South Carolina’s success within it suggests they remain a serious national title threat.
The Top Contenders Looking to Take Down South Carolina
UCLA Bruins: Is This the Year They Finally Break Through?
Despite being a perennial powerhouse, UCLA (30-2) has never reached the NCAA Final Four. However, this might be their year.
Led by 6-foot-7 center Lauren Betts (19.6 PPG, 9.7 RPG, 2.9 BPG), the Bruins boast an elite inside presence. Alongside experienced junior guards Kiki Rice, Gabriela Jaquez, and Londynn Jones, UCLA has the depth and chemistry needed for a deep tournament run.
UConn Huskies: Hungry for Their First Title Since 2016
UConn (31-3) is no stranger to Final Four appearances, but the Huskies haven’t won a title since 2016. Injuries have plagued them in recent years, but this season, they’ve remained mostly healthy—and the results speak for themselves.
Led by superstar Paige Bueckers (19.0 PPG, 4.9 APG), Azzi Fudd (12.8 PPG), and Sarah Strong (16.0 PPG, 8.4 RPG), UConn has the firepower to challenge any team in the country. Bueckers, a three-time Final Four participant, is determined to cap her career with a championship.
USC Trojans: The Return of a Powerhouse?
The USC Trojans (28-3) are back on the national stage after winning the Big Ten regular-season title. JuJu Watkins, the top player of the year contender, has been nothing short of electric, averaging 24.9 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game.
With Kiki Iriafen also capable of taking over games, USC has both the talent and team chemistry to claim their first NCAA title since 1984.
Notre Dame Fighting Irish: Can Their Guards Carry Them?
Despite losing three of their last five games, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish (26-5) remain a serious title contender thanks to their elite guard play.
Hannah Hidalgo (24.2 PPG, 40.7% 3PT), Olivia Miles (16.2 PPG, 5.8 APG), and Sonia Citron (13.8 PPG) form one of the most dangerous backcourts in the tournament. While their post game is a question mark, if Liatu King and Maddy Westbeld step up, the Irish could regain their dominant form from earlier this season.
Texas Longhorns: Defense Wins Championships?
The Texas Longhorns (31-3) have been a defensive force, allowing just 55.9 PPG in one of the toughest conferences in the country.
With coach Vic Schaefer’s defensive system and elite athleticism, Texas has the potential to return to the Final Four for the first time since 2003. However, the Longhorns’ biggest concern is their offense, as they ranked last in the SEC in three-pointers made during conference play.
Who Will Cut Down the Nets in Tampa?
With South Carolina still a top contender but not a runaway favorite, this year’s championship race is wide open. Whether it’s the proven powerhouses like UConn and Notre Dame, the defensive juggernaut Texas, or the hungry challengers like UCLA and USC, the 2024-25 NCAA Tournament is shaping up to be one of the most unpredictable in years.
