South Carolina Faces TCU With Final Four Trip on the Line

The Gamecocks look to advance to their sixth-straight NCAA Final Four

Mar. 30, 2026 at 4:04am

A cubist, geometric painting depicting the dynamic action of a women's basketball game, with the competing teams' colors blending together in an abstract, fragmented composition.South Carolina's quest for a sixth straight Final Four appearance will be tested by a tough TCU squad in a battle of NCAA Tournament heavyweights.Montverde Today

South Carolina faces TCU on Monday with a chance to advance to its sixth-straight NCAA Final Four. The Gamecocks and Horned Frogs will tip off at 9 p.m. on ESPN as South Carolina aims to continue its dominant tournament run.

Why it matters

South Carolina is one of the premier women's basketball programs in the country, having reached the Final Four in five consecutive seasons. A win over TCU would extend that streak and keep the Gamecocks on track for another deep NCAA Tournament run.

The details

The Gamecocks have been dominant in the tournament so far, ranking third nationally in field goal percentage and leading the field in points per game. Their stifling defense has held opponents to just 31.6% shooting. Six South Carolina players are averaging double-figure points in the tournament, with the team's guards making a major impact in the paint.

  • The game tips off on Monday, March 30, 2026 at 9 p.m. ET.

The players

Madina Okot

A senior forward who averages a double-double against ranked opponents, leading the nation with eight such performances.

Raven Johnson

The 2026 SEC Defensive Player of the Year, who is a dominant defensive presence that changes the game for the Gamecocks.

Ta'Niya Latson

A four-time All-American guard who has diversified her game this season, improving her scoring efficiency and defensive impact.

Agot Makeer

A highly-touted freshman guard who has made a strong impact in the NCAA Tournament, averaging 13.7 points per game.

Dawn Staley

The head coach of the Gamecocks, who has led the team to five consecutive Final Four appearances.

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What they’re saying

“South Carolina is playing in its sixth-straight NCAA Elite Eight and 10th overall, including seventh in the last nine tournaments, which is tied for the most in the nation in that stretch.”

— USC Athletics Communications, Press Release

“The Gamecocks are the top defensive team in the NCAA Tournament, holding opponents to just 31.6 percent shooting over the last two weeks.”

— USC Athletics Communications, Press Release

What’s next

The winner of the South Carolina-TCU game will advance to the NCAA Final Four.

The takeaway

South Carolina's dominant defense and balanced scoring attack have made them one of the favorites to win the national championship. A win over TCU would extend their streak of Final Four appearances to six straight seasons, cementing their status as an elite women's basketball program.