South Carolina vs. NC State: A Clash of Titans in the NCAA Women’s Basketball Semifinal

Key Takeaways:

• South Carolina aims to avenge last year's Final Four loss, facing NC State with a perfect season on the line.
• NC State has proven its mettle with upsets over Stanford and Texas, eyeing another shocker in Cleveland.
• With balanced scoring and standout performances by Aziaha James, NC State poses a real threat to South Carolina’s title hopes.

Last year, the basketball world was left in shock as South Carolina, on the cusp of a national title repeat, was upended by Iowa in a thrilling Final Four matchup. Fast forward to tonight in Cleveland, Ohio (7:00 pm ET, ESPN), and the Gamecocks are once again at the doorstep of glory, facing an equally formidable opponent in NC State. The stakes? A shot at redemption and a place in the national championship game.

In 2023, South Carolina's journey towards a consecutive national title was abruptly halted by Caitlin Clark and the Iowa Hawkeyes. Despite entering the semifinal as heavy favorites, the Gamecocks found themselves on the wrong side of a 77-73 upset, a loss that undoubtedly stings to this day. But as fate would have it, South Carolina finds itself in a familiar position tonight, favored by 11.5 points against an NC State team that's no stranger to defying odds.

The Wolfpack, making their first Final Four appearance since 1998, have already etched their names into the annals of tournament lore. With stunning victories over #2 Stanford and #1 Texas, NC State has proven it can hang with college basketball’s elite. But toppling South Carolina would not only be the pinnacle of their Cinderella story; it would also rank among the greatest upsets in women’s college basketball history.

Unlike Iowa, which relied heavily on superstar Caitlin Clark, NC State boasts a more balanced attack. Six players average at least 8.9 points per game, showcasing the team’s depth and versatility. Aziaha James, in particular, has emerged as a force to be reckoned with, averaging 24.3 PPG in the tournament while shooting an astonishing 50.8% from the field. For the Wolfpack to stand a chance against the Gamecocks, James will need to replicate her heroic performances from the previous rounds.

Yet, for all of NC State’s prowess, South Carolina remains a juggernaut. The Gamecocks have dispatched 36 consecutive opponents, a testament to their dominance and resilience. While they’ve seldom been pushed to the brink, South Carolina has shown that it can weather storms and emerge victorious. Last year’s loss to Iowa serves as a painful reminder of what’s at stake, but it also provides a source of motivation.

As the basketball world tunes in tonight, the question on everyone’s mind is whether NC State can pull off the unthinkable. South Carolina, with its blend of talent, experience, and an unyielding desire for redemption, will not go down without a fight. Expect a clash for the ages, one that will test the mettle of both teams.

NC State vs South Carolina Prediction: South Carolina to win and cover

Where Can You Bet on March Madness This Year?

As March Madness captivates fans across the nation, sportsbooks are buzzing with activity. BetOnline, alongside other reputable sites, offers a wide array of betting options for both the men’s and women’s NCAA Tournaments. Whether you’re a seasoned bettor or new to the game, now is the perfect time to get in on the action.

For more insights into March Madness betting, including expert picks and comprehensive guides, check out our dedicated NCAA basketball section. And don’t forget to follow us on social media for real-time updates and analysis throughout the tournament.

The stage is set, the teams are ready, and history awaits. Will South Carolina exact its revenge, or will NC State continue its fairy tale run? One thing is for certain: tonight’s game is not to be missed.