BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — South Carolina is in the heart of Alabama looking to extend its run in the NCAA Tournament. The No. 1 seed Gamecocks will make their 11th straight appearance in the Sweet 16 Friday, facing No. 4 Maryland at Legacy Arena in Birmingham. Tipoff is set for 5 p.m., following the Duke vs. North Carolina rivalry matchup in the other Birmingham Regional 2 bracket.
South Carolina held two practices on the eve of the tournament’s third round, starting with a workout at UAB before getting its first look at Legacy Arena. Following practice, USC head coach Dawn Staley alongside her players previewed the matchup with the Terrapins. Maryland will be 16th ranked opponent the Gamecocks will see this season, tying a program record (2017-18). USC is 12-3 in those games.
South Carolina and UM are no strangers with the Gamecocks holding a 6-2 advantage in the series, including a 114-76 win last season in Columbia.
The pair of women’s basketball powerhouses played twice in the 2022-2023 season, one being a South Carolina win in the Elite Eight in Greenville.
