South Carolina women's basketball: Five Things to Watch - NC State
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1. Turnovers
Since South Carolina committed a season-high 24 turnovers against Texas A&M in the SEC tournament quarterfinals, the Gamecocks have done a much better job of taking care of the ball.
South Carolina had nine against Tennessee and 13 against LSU to finish the SEC tournament. In the NCAA tournament, South Carolina has turned it over nine times (Presbyterian), 13 (North Carolina), 12 (Indiana), and tied its season-low with six against Oregon State.
When South Carolina has had turnover issues this season it has usually been self-inflicted, a lack of focus. It will be clear early on if the Gamecocks are focused.
2. Relax
Last season South Carolina was noticeably tight in the nation semifinal last season, and the pressure only got worse when things went poorly early in the game.
South Carolina is an 11.5-point favorite this season, so if they stay relaxed and play their game they should be in good shape to win.
But…
3. Don’t relax
South Carolina built big third-quarter leads against Indiana and Oregon State but then let both teams come back. In both games, South Carolina seemed to relax its intensity too soon.
NC State has been resilient during the tournament. The Wolfpack has trailed in every game, including by ten to Stanford, and come back to win.
The Gamecocks have been playing with fire. They are probably going to get burnt eventually.
4. Fulwiley
MiLaysia Fulwiley was sensational in the first two rounds of the tournament, scoring 17 and 20 to build off her 24-point game in the SEC title game. But Fulwiley was fairly quiet in Albany, scoring just seven points in each game.
It seemed like she was poised for a bounce-back against Oregon State, now it really seems like she is poised for a big game. Her offense is always big, but Fulwiley’s defense against NC State’s three-guard
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5. Scouting the Wolfpack
NC State is somewhat similar to South Carolina. Both teams have a strong post presence and deep and versatile guard play.
Guard Aziah James has been one of the breakout stars of the tournament. She has scored at least 19 points in every game of the tournament and a career-high 29 against Stanford. James is averaging 16.7 points and 4.6 rebounds.
She is part of the Wolfpack’s guard trio of guards that also includes Saniya RIvers (12.7 points, 6,.2 rebounds, and 3.8 assists) and Madison Hayes (10.4 points and 6.9 rebounds) and Zoe Brooks (8.9 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 3.5 assists)
The guards have grabbed most of the headlines, but post River Baldwin has arguably been NC State’s most important player this season. She averages 10.6 points and 6.9 rebounds, but her ability to draw in defenses opens up the court for the perimeter players.
Like the Gamecocks, the Wolfpack likes to spread the wealth, and a different player is capable of getting hot on any given night.
The Ws
Who: #1 South Carolina (36-0, 16-0 SEC) vs #3 NC State (31-6, 13-5 ACC)
When: 7:00 EDT, Friday, April 5
Where: Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, Cleveland, OH
Watch: ESPN
Team sendoff: 4:45 at the Hyatt Regency at the Arcade, 420 Superior Avenue
