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USC Women's Basketball Earns No. 9 Seed, Faces Clemson in NCAA Tournament
Trojans will travel to South Carolina for opening round matchup against Tigers
Mar. 16, 2026 at 1:20am
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The USC women's basketball team has earned a No. 9 seed in the 2026 NCAA Tournament and will face No. 8 seed Clemson in the opening round in Columbia, South Carolina. The winner of that game will likely face No. 1 seed South Carolina in the second round. This marks the fourth consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance for the Trojans, who are led by head coach Lindsay Gottlieb.
Why it matters
USC's women's basketball program has emerged as a consistent contender in recent years, making the NCAA Tournament four years in a row. While earning a No. 9 seed and having to travel across the country for the opening weekend presents a challenge, the Trojans have proven they can compete with top teams under Gottlieb's leadership.
The details
The Trojans will take on Clemson in the opening round on Saturday, with the winner likely facing No. 1 seed South Carolina on Monday. USC and South Carolina faced off earlier this season, with the Gamecocks prevailing 69-52. In the past two NCAA Tournaments, USC has earned a No. 1 seed and hosted opening weekend games, but this year they will have to hit the road.
- The 2026 NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament bracket was revealed on Sunday, March 16, 2026.
- USC and Clemson will play their opening round game on Saturday, March 22, 2026.
- The winner of the USC-Clemson game will likely face South Carolina on Monday, March 24, 2026.
The players
Lindsay Gottlieb
The head coach of the USC women's basketball team, who has led the Trojans to four consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances.
South Carolina
The No. 1 seed in the Sacramento Region 4, who defeated USC 69-52 earlier this season.
What’s next
The winner of the USC-Clemson game will advance to face No. 1 seed South Carolina in the second round on Monday, March 24, 2026.
The takeaway
USC's women's basketball team has become a consistent NCAA Tournament contender under head coach Lindsay Gottlieb, and while facing a tough road matchup against Clemson and potentially South Carolina presents a challenge, the Trojans have proven they can compete with the nation's elite programs.
