South Carolina Basketball: Gamecocks’ NCAA Tournament run begins; what to know and how to watch vs. Norfolk State
By Kevin Miller
South Carolina basketball has taken Gamecock Nation on a magical ride this season. Following up a national championship is not easy to do, but Dawn Staley’s team has managed to pull it off to this point as they are undefeated and well on their way to repeating as champs. The job is not done, though, as six more victories stand between the Gamecocks and college basketball immortality. However, as expected, the most dominant team in the country was selected as the Tournament’s number-one overall seed.
The Gamecocks’ NCAA Tournament run begins today in a matchup against Norfolk State at Colonial Life Arena. The game is part of a Tournament session double-header with the University of South Florida taking on Marquette in the first game at 11:30. The Gamecocks will play following the conclusion of that contest (likely around 2:00) on ESPN and the ESPN App.
Heading into the Big Dance, the Gamecocks are confident. After beating Tennessee in the SEC Tournament Championship Game, star forward Aliyah Boston even went as far as to guarantee a South Carolina championship. After dominating the season to the tune of a 30-point scoring margin per game and winning the majority of available awards this season, the Lady Gamecocks’ confidence seems well-placed, but Dawn Staley and her squad know that they must be on their A-game to bring the trophy back to Columbia once again.
Norfolk State was the best team in the Mid-Eastern Atlantic Conference all season. The Spartans played a tough brand of defense that saw opponents shoot just over 31% from the field on the season. The Gamecocks must come out looking for good shots to not fall into the trap set by Head Coach Larry Vickers’ scheme as taking contested jump shots is exactly what the Spartans will be trying to get South Carolina to do.
If the Gamecocks play within themselves, this game will be one they can handle easily. Norfolk State is a tougher team than they are given credit for, but the Gamecocks are the most talented team in America. Utilizing the obvious size advantage and playing smart basketball on offense will win this game for South Carolina.
Game 1 of 6 is today, but the Gamecocks cannot look ahead to games 2 through 5 if they want to play well. The FAMs can rest easy, though, as the Gamecocks appear as focused and ready as ever. A historical run starts today, but Carolina fans should enjoy it as it happens. Something like this is not likely to happen again.