As the 2025-26 women’s college basketball season unfolds, one intriguing non-conference matchup on the schedule is No. 3 South Carolina traveling to face the South Florida Bulls on December 18, 2025 in Tampa, Florida. This game pits one of the nation’s elite programs against a competitive American Athletic Conference squad looking to make a statement. (University of South Carolina Athletics)
Historical Context: A Rare Meeting
South Carolina and South Florida haven’t met often on the women’s basketball court. According to historical data, the Bulls are 0-2 all-time against the Gamecocks in head-to-head matchups, with their most recent game in December 2024 resulting in a 78-62 loss at South Carolina. (USF Athletics)
While USF hasn’t yet notched a win over the Gamecocks, this year’s matchup provides a fresh opportunity to compete against a national power, especially on their home floor in Tampa.
Team Form and Recent Updates
South Carolina Gamecocks (Top 3 Nationally)
The Gamecocks enter the contest as one of the premier teams in the country. South Carolina has already built a strong start, highlighted by efficient offense, stifling defense, and dominant wins in key games. Recent results include impressive victories such as a 69-52 win over No. 8 Southern Cal where Joyce Edwards led with 17 points and 10 rebounds. (WHBL)
The Gamecocks’ overall body of work reflects elite performance metrics: South Carolina ranks among the top in scoring offense and defensive efficiency, driven by a roster filled with versatile scorers and lockdown defenders. Although they lost to a top program like Texas earlier in the season, their consistency in other matchups underscores their status as a national title contender. (University of Louisville Athletic)
USF Bulls (American Conference Competitors)
South Florida enters this matchup with a respectable but less dominant record. As of early December, the Bulls’ team stats show a roughly .600 winning percentage (6-5) and balanced offensive and defensive numbers. (Wikipedia)
Individually, players like Edyn Battle and Katie Davidson have led the Bulls in scoring and production, hovering around double-digit averages, but USF’s shooting percentages and three-point efficiency lag behind elite teams. (Amazon Web Services, Inc.)
Additionally, in non-conference action, USF was recently overmatched by top-ranked UConn in an 85-51 loss, where the Bulls struggled to contain UConn’s balanced attack and turnovers helped fuel the Huskies’ dominance. (Reuters)
Styles of Play: Contrast on the Court
South Carolina:
- Balanced Attack: The Gamecocks mix inside scoring with perimeter shooting, and pressure defense that forces turnovers.
- Depth and Efficiency: South Carolina’s roster depth allows them to rotate effectively, sustain tempo, and exploit mismatches.
- Experience in Big Games: The core has played in high-pressure matchups, including deep NCAA Tournament runs and conference championship battles. (University of Louisville Athletic)
USF Bulls:
- Fundamentals First: USF relies on disciplined offense and solid rebounding, often controlling pace through set plays and half-court execution.
- Transition Challenges: Against elite teams like UConn, USF has struggled with turnovers and defensive pressure — issues that could be exposed by South Carolina’s athleticism. (Reuters)
Upset Potential: Is It Possible?
In most matchups between a top-3 team like South Carolina and a mid-major contender like USF, the favorite reigns supreme — and for good reason. The Gamecocks’ talent, tempo, and proven success against top programs make them heavy favorites.
However, upsets aren’t impossible in college basketball. For USF to pull one off:
- They’ll need exceptional shooting nights, particularly from beyond the arc.
- Ball security must improve, limiting turnovers that lead to transition points.
- On the defensive end, they’ll have to contain South Carolina’s secondary scorers and force tough shots.
If USF keeps the score close into the second half and maximizes every possession, they could make the game competitive — even if a win remains statistically unlikely.
Winning Chances: Likely Outcome
Based on recent performance trends and overall team strengths:
✔ South Carolina’s chances of winning: Very high
– The Gamecocks have shown elite offensive and defensive balance and the ability to win convincingly against top competition.
USF’s chances of pulling an upset: Low to moderate
– While capable of strong showings — especially at home — the Bulls would need near-perfect execution and Gamecock miscues to have a real shot.
Final Notes
The South Carolina vs. USF women’s basketball game is shaping up to be a compelling showcase of national contender vs. rising challenger. Fans can expect contrasting styles, strategic chess matches from the sidelines, and a snapshot of where both teams stand as they head toward the heart of the season. (University of South Carolina Athletics)
