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South Carolina women's basketball cruises past Southern in NCAA opener
Gamecocks advance to second round of March Madness with dominant victory
Mar. 21, 2026 at 9:21pm
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The South Carolina women's basketball team opened its 2026 NCAA Tournament run with a convincing win over 16-seed Southern on Saturday. The Gamecocks, a top seed in the tournament, defeated the overmatched Southern squad handily to advance to the second round of March Madness.
Why it matters
South Carolina is one of the top women's basketball programs in the country and a perennial contender for the national championship. Their dominant performance in the tournament opener sets them up well to make a deep run and potentially win their second national title.
The details
The Gamecocks jumped out to an early lead and never looked back, cruising to a lopsided victory over Southern. South Carolina's stifling defense held the 16-seed to just 40 points, while the Gamecocks' balanced scoring attack overwhelmed their opponent.
- The game was played on Saturday, March 21, 2026.
The players
South Carolina women's basketball team
A top women's basketball program that is a regular contender for the NCAA championship.
Southern
The 16-seed that was overmatched against the powerful Gamecocks squad.
What’s next
South Carolina will face the winner of the first-round matchup between 8-seed Oregon and 9-seed Florida State in the second round of the NCAA Tournament.
The takeaway
South Carolina's dominant performance in the tournament opener demonstrates their status as one of the top teams in the country and a legitimate threat to win the national championship.
