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.
More context
Timeline
- 1. Earlier March 2026: South Carolina loses to Texas in the SEC Tournament championship game.
- 2. March 19, 2026: Southern defeats Samford 65-53 in the First Four.
- 3. March 21, 2026: South Carolina (No. 1) hosts Southern (No. 16) at Colonial Life Arena, 1 p.m. ET.
- 4. March 23, 2026: Potential second-round matchup against winner of Clemson vs Southern Cal in Sacramento 4 Regional.
- 5. Historical context: South Carolina is making its 14th straight NCAA appearance under Dawn Staley with multiple deep tournament runs.
Why it matters
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.
Sources
JQJO Editorial Desk · Human reviewed · AI assisted. Report a correction.
