South Carolina v. UNC: Women’s Sweet 16 Preview

The North Carolina Tar Heels (25-6) will play the South Carolina Gamecocks (31-2) in the round of 16 in the Women’s NCAA March Madness Friday, March 25.

South Carolina:

It's @MarchMadnessWBB time … pic.twitter.com/pmH5v8CJLu

— GamecockWBB (@GamecockWBB) March 14, 2022

The Tournament favorite Gamecocks have played two games in the 2022 March Madness tournament. One game of sheer dominance, and one game of unconvincing dominance.

The Gamecocks have won both games by at least 16 points but in their last game they struggled offensively. This comes off the back of one of the most dominate games in tournament history with their first game against Howard.

South Carolina scored 20 points in their first game before they let Howard score, they held their opponent’s to no points until 1:49 was left in the 1st. That is a full eight minutes before a score. The Gamecocks dominated, winning by 58 points and holding their opponents to 21 points. Howard was excited about making the tournament but they were not ready for the buzz saw they played in the first round.

https://twitter.com/espn/status/1505655027226062848?s=20&t=Ir3VgnOcCXSvY36CpWu71g

Shooting?:

However, things were not a smooth in the second game. Not as smooth, but still smooth. The gamecocks took the lead in the first 1:10 of the first quarter and never looked back. They lead the rest of the game and victory was never in question. The efficiency can be in question.

South Carolina were the favorite going into the tournament because of how well rounded they were. Both offensively and defensively the team was a problem. The team they created is a fun high energy group. Their size and athleticism overwhelm teams. In the tournament, the defense is alive and well but their offense struggled last game.

The team shot under 30% in their win against Miami. Shooting 18 three pointers and converting on four of them. The Tar Heels have showed that they can score, averaging 71 points scored in the first two games. South Carolina has been dominate, but if they shoot inefficiently again, they can leave the door open for North Carolina.

All you need to know to get ready for Friday's @marchmadnesswbb game – including IMPORTANT info for fans coming to Greensboro!https://t.co/3Nkmw7YmQo pic.twitter.com/RrpgpUEBVd

— GamecockWBB (@GamecockWBB) March 24, 2022

North Carolina:

https://twitter.com/uncwbb/status/1507166821664935942?s=20&t=Ir3VgnOcCXSvY36CpWu71g

The Tar Heels have two advantages going into this Sweet 16 matchup: fans and expectations.

The game will be played in Greensboro, North Carolina, 50 miles away from the Tar Heels Chapel Hill. If the Tar Heels get fans in the stands, fan support can change the course of any matchup.

UNC is no slouch and will be a tough matchup for any team left in this tournament, even the favorites. The Tar Heels won 25 games and are in a good run of form going into this upcoming matchup. In their last game the Tar Heels were able to shoot 41 percent for the game, while having more turnovers then their opponents Arizona.

As mentioned before: UNC has been able to score. If they want any chance in their upcoming matchup they have to stick to their strengths, scoring the basketball.

Check out what @dejakelly25 had to say on Monday night right after the Tar Heels earned themselves a spot in the Sweet 1⃣6⃣ ⤵️#GoHeels x #MarchMadness https://t.co/8PTOWC4yV1

— Carolina Women's Basketball (@uncwbb) March 24, 2022

Is there and upset approaching? Or will the tournament favorites prevail?