SPORTS

South Carolina Opens NCAA Tournament Against Southern Saturday

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COLUMBIA, S.C. — South Carolina's women's basketball team, the No. 1 seed, will host 16th-seeded Southern at Colonial Life Arena at 1 p.m. ET on March 21. Southern advanced after a 65-53 First Four victory over Samford on March 19, setting the Gamecocks' opening-round matchup. Coach Dawn Staley's Gamecocks (31-3) aim to advance to face the winner of Clemson and Southern Cal on March 23 in the Sacramento 4 Regional; players noted the impact of an SEC championship loss to Texas earlier this month and emphasized discipline and defense for Saturday's game.

Prepared by Emily Rhodes and reviewed by editorial team.

Timeline of Events

Earlier March 2026: South Carolina loses to Texas in the SEC Tournament championship game.
March 19, 2026: Southern defeats Samford 65-53 in the First Four.
March 21, 2026: South Carolina (No. 1) hosts Southern (No. 16) at Colonial Life Arena, 1 p.m. ET.
March 23, 2026: Potential second-round matchup against winner of Clemson vs Southern Cal in Sacramento 4 Regional.
Historical context: South Carolina is making its 14th straight NCAA appearance under Dawn Staley with multiple deep tournament runs.

Why This Matters to You

This game is a chance to cheer on the home team and support local sports. If you're a fan of South Carolina's women's basketball, it's a must-watch. The Gamecocks' performance could also impact the local community's morale. Mark your calendar for 1 p.m. ET on March 21.

The Bottom Line

South Carolina's women's basketball team is determined to bounce back from their SEC championship loss. They're focusing on discipline and defense. If they win, they'll face the winner of Clemson vs Southern Cal. Worth forwarding if you know a Gamecocks fan.