THE WOLFPACK VS. GAMECOCKS
South Carolina’s tenacious defense must contain Aziaha James, who averages 16.7 points. In the Elite Eight game against No. 1 Texas, she buried seven treys in her 27-point outing, ushering them to a 76-66 victory.
South Carolina averages 85.6 points while allowing its opponents to score 56 points per contest. NC State will face a Gamecocks team with multiple scorers, including center Kamilla Cardoso and freshman sensation Milaysia Fulwiley. Cardoso who averages 14.1 points and 9.4 rebounds per game just declared for the 2024 WNBA Draft on Apr. 15. Currently, she projects to be a Top-5 pick.
The last matchup between the two programs occurred on Nov. 9, 2021 when NC State hosted South Carolina in Raleigh, NC. The Gamecocks won 66-57, but did lose 54-46 at home to the Wolfpack on Dec. 3, 2020. NC State leads the all-time series 20-12.
THE ODDS AND PREDICTION
- South Carolina is an 11.5-point favorite over NC State
- Moneyline: South Carolina (-900), NC State (+400)
- Total: 139.6 points
- BSI Prediction: South Carolina by 7 points, in a closer than comfortable battle. Kardoso will have a double-double. Late free throws will help the Gamecocks advance to the title game.
Congratulations Coach Staley!!!