South Carolina, Iowa, UConn and NC State highlight the star-studded Final Four
The Final Four is here. Tony Anderson breaks down the biggest storylines around the Women’s NCAA tournament.
The 2024 women’s NCAA Tournament is down to the Final Four in Cleveland. Four programs remain in contention for the national championship. The first of the two games of the round starts with the Albany Regional 1 No. 1 seed South Carolina going against Portland Regional 4 No. 3 seed NC State.
South Carolina beat No. 3 seed Oregon State 70-58 in the Elite Eight to continue their undefeated season. Three players scored in double digits for the Gamecocks in the win as the team’s winning streak hit 36 games. South Carolina’s aiming for a second national championship in three years.
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NC State’s run to the women’s Final Four included a pair of upsets. First came in the Sweet 16 with a 77-67 win over No. 2 seed Stanford before another upset win 76-66 over No. 1 seed Texas. Guard Aziaha James stepped up in both wins, averaging 28 points across the two upsets.
These two teams have played each other 32 times previously with the Wolfpack holding a 20-12 record. But South Carolina won the last matchup 66-57 on Nov. 9, 2021.
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South Carolina vs. NC State predictions
Fayetteville Observer: South Carolina 78, NC State 65
Mikey DiLullo says: “It’s hard to see anyone beating South Carolina this year. NC State may keep it close for a quarter or two, but the Wolfpack — much like the rest of women’s basketball — won’t be able to keep up with Staley for much longer.”
The Athletic: South Carolina wins
Grayce Raynor and Sabreena Merchant write: “If we assume both teams’ guards will have their moments, it seems like this game will come down to who’s better down low. NC State forward River Baldwin likely will be in charge of Cardoso. She and the The Wolfpack already matched up well against Stanford’s Cameron Brink in the Sweet 16, but Cardoso could be an even more imposing challenge. South Carolina’s bench will also be a major challenge from the Wolfpack. The Gamecocks are built for March, averaging nearly 34 points per game from their reserves.”
Bleacher Report: South Carolina wins, NC State +11.5
Joe Tansey says: “The Wolfpack have the potential to stay within single digits. They went 7-3 against ranked opposition in the regular season. However, it will take a perfect performance for the Wolfpack to pull off what would be one of the more extraordinary Women’s Final Four upsets.”
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South Carolina vs. NC State: Odds, spread and lines for March Madness
The Gamecocks are favorites to defeat the Wolfpack in Friday’s Final Four matchup, according to BetMGM college basketball odds. Looking to wager? Check out the best mobile sports betting apps offering sports betting promos in 2024.
Odds as of Tuesday afternoon.
- Spread: South Carolina (-11.5)
- Moneylines: South Carolina (-800); Oregon State (+550)
- Above/below: 139.5
How to watch South Carolina vs. NC State: TV, streaming and schedule
When: Friday, April 5, 7:00 pm ET
Where: Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, Cleveland, Ohio
Cable TV: ESPN
Streaming: ESPN+
How to watch NCAA Women’s Basketball March Madness 2024
All games will be broadcast across ABC and ESPN. Here are additional streaming options to watch all the action on your devices.
How to watch March Madness: Watch all tournament games with a subscription to fuboTV
Printable March Madness bracket
You can find a printable bracket for the women’s tournament here.
A men’s tournament printable bracket is available here.
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