With the regular season winding down, South Carolina women’s basketball isn’t just playing for momentum — it’s positioning itself for another deep March run.
The No. 3-ranked Gamecocks (27-2, 13-1 SEC) have already secured hardware, clinching their fifth straight SEC regular-season championship with a win over Ole Miss. That milestone reinforces what has become the standard under head coach — dominance sustained over time.
Now, the focus shifts toward the NCAA Tournament.
According to ESPN bracketologist , South Carolina remains one of four projected No. 1 seeds in his latest bracketology update. However, there’s an important nuance: the Gamecocks are ranked third overall on the No. 1 seed line, behind and .
That distinction matters.
Being the third overall No. 1 seed still guarantees South Carolina home-court advantage for the first two rounds in Columbia, but it could shape the difficulty of its regional path. If projections hold, the Gamecocks would travel to Fort Worth for the Sweet 16 and Elite Eight in what ESPN labels “Fort Worth Region 3.” This year’s women’s tournament regionals are split between Fort Worth and Sacramento.
A Region in Flux
While South Carolina’s position remains steady from last week, the rest of the region has experienced significant movement. Only three teams — Villanova, Colorado and Georgia — remain from last week’s Fort Worth Region 3 projection.
Villanova and Colorado stayed put as the No. 9 and No. 12 seeds, respectively. Georgia, however, improved from a No. 7 seed to a No. 6 seed. The Bulldogs are also the only team in this projected region that South Carolina has faced this season — a subtle but important edge in familiarity if paths cross again.
As a No. 1 seed, South Carolina would host three teams in Columbia. The current projection has the Gamecocks opening against the winner of a First Four matchup between No. 16 seeds Alabama A&M and Chattanooga. On paper, that’s a favorable start — but March has a history of punishing teams that look too far ahead.
In the Round of 32, South Carolina would face the winner of No. 8 Oregon and No. 9 Villanova. That potential second-round game is where things begin to tighten. Both programs bring tournament experience and perimeter scoring that can test defensive discipline.
The Real Threats: Iowa and Duke
The most significant obstacles in this projected region are No. 2 seed Iowa and No. 3 seed Duke.
enters at 22-5 and ranked No. 9 in the AP Top 25. Iowa’s offensive firepower and ability to stretch defenses make them a dangerous Elite Eight opponent if seeding holds.
Meanwhile, has quietly rebuilt momentum after a sluggish start. Now back inside the top 15, the Blue Devils combine length, defensive pressure, and postseason pedigree — the kind of profile that can derail even elite teams in March.
Full Projection: Fort Worth Region 3
Columbia Pod
- No. 1 South Carolina
- No. 16 Alabama A&M / No. 16 Chattanooga
- No. 8 Oregon
- No. 9 Villanova
East Lansing Pod
- No. 5 North Carolina
- No. 12 Mississippi State / No. 12 Colorado
- No. 4 Michigan State
- No. 13 Green Bay
Durham Pod
- No. 6 Georgia
- No. 11 Fairfield
- No. 3 Duke
- No. 14 McNeese
Iowa City Pod
- No. 7 NC State
- No. 10 North Dakota State
- No. 2 Iowa
- No. 15 LMU
The Bigger Picture
For South Carolina, the headline is stability at the top. Despite two losses — both narrow and against quality competition — the Gamecocks have maintained their grip on a No. 1 seed.
But being the third overall No. 1 is not the same as being first. The margin between dominance and vulnerability in March is razor-thin. Hosting early rounds in Columbia is a major advantage, yet the projected regional setup suggests that if South Carolina wants another Final Four appearance, it may have to go through Iowa or Duke to get there.
In other words, the path is favorable — but far from easy.
And with Selection Sunday approaching, every remaining possession could still influence the final bracket line.
