The South Carolina women’s basketball team advances to the NCAA Tournament’s second round.

The South Carolina Gamecocks, led by the legendary Dawn Staley, have long been a dominant force in NCAA women’s basketball, and the 2025 NCAA Women’s Tournament was no different. With an air of confidence and an unyielding desire to defend their title, the Gamecocks entered the tournament with high expectations, knowing that they had the talent and experience to go all the way. After a dominant victory in the First Round, South Carolina advanced to the Second Round, reaffirming their status as one of the premier programs in the nation.

In this round, the Gamecocks not only demonstrated their basketball prowess but also showcased their depth, resilience, and mental toughness—qualities that are crucial during the high-stakes environment of March Madness. Although the Gamecocks made it look easy in their opening matchup, the path ahead would certainly be filled with tougher challenges, yet their performance in the First Round was a clear indication of the team’s potential to make a deep tournament run.

Setting the Stage: South Carolina’s Impressive Regular Season

Before diving into their NCAA Tournament performance, it’s important to understand the context in which South Carolina entered this year’s tournament. The Gamecocks had once again been dominant throughout the regular season, finishing as the No. 1 overall seed in the tournament. Under the guidance of Dawn Staley, the Gamecocks had racked up wins against some of the best teams in the nation, including top-ranked teams from the SEC and across the country. With veterans like Aliyah Boston, Zia Cooke, and Brea Beal, along with rising stars such as Chloe Kitts and MiLaysia Fulwiley, South Carolina boasted one of the deepest and most talented rosters in the nation.

South Carolina had an array of weapons at its disposal: the post presence of Aliyah Boston, the scoring ability of Zia Cooke, and the defensive tenacity of players like Brea Beal and Laeticia Amihere. These elements, combined with a tough, physical style of play, made the Gamecocks a daunting opponent for anyone. Moreover, Staley’s coaching philosophy focused on team-first basketball, a mindset that had brought the program national championships and made it the gold standard in women’s college hoops.

The Gamecocks had lived up to their lofty expectations, and when the tournament draw was announced, they were positioned as the clear favorites. Their opening round game in the 2025 NCAA Tournament would serve as their first real test on the road to a potential title defense.

The First-Round Matchup: A Complete Dominance

In their First Round matchup, South Carolina was set to face 13th-seeded Belmont, a team known for its sharp shooting and up-tempo play. Although Belmont had earned its place in the tournament with a solid season, few expected the Bruins to pose a real challenge to South Carolina. Nonetheless, as the Gamecocks prepared to take the court, they knew that underestimating any opponent in the NCAA Tournament would be a mistake.

From the tip-off, it was clear that South Carolina had no intention of leaving anything to chance. The Gamecocks came out with a fast-paced, intense defensive strategy, pressuring Belmont’s shooters and forcing them into uncomfortable situations. Their defense was stifling, and they set the tone early with full-court pressure and aggressive, swarming help defense. Brea Beal, in particular, was outstanding in her defensive duties, locking down the opposing guards and disrupting Belmont’s offensive flow.

On offense, South Carolina showcased its remarkable depth and offensive balance. While Aliyah Boston was once again dominant in the paint, scoring at will and pulling down key rebounds, it was the contributions of players like Zia Cooke and Chloe Kitts that made South Carolina’s attack so difficult to contain. Cooke, the Gamecocks’ dynamic scoring guard, was in mid-season form, hitting timely shots both from beyond the arc and in the mid-range. Kitts, who had been playing an increasingly prominent role as the season progressed, was explosive in the open court, scoring in transition and grabbing crucial rebounds.

South Carolina’s offensive system ran like a well-oiled machine. Dawn Staley‘s approach to the game emphasized not just individual skill, but also ball movement and player movement to create opportunities for everyone on the floor. Even when Belmont managed to get a stop, South Carolina’s relentless work ethic meant that they would recover and regroup, applying pressure to get high-percentage shots.

By halftime, it was clear that South Carolina had seized control of the game. They led by 20 points and had established an insurmountable lead. Aliyah Boston, ever the force on both ends of the floor, was nearly unstoppable, scoring with ease inside and dominating the glass. As the second half unfolded, it was a matter of how many players would get a chance to shine for South Carolina in what was becoming a routine victory.

In the final minutes of the game, Staley’s rotation allowed her bench players to gain valuable tournament experience. Players like Laeticia Amihere and MiLaysia Fulwiley took advantage of their extended minutes, showcasing their own talent and further deepening South Carolina’s collective strength. Ultimately, the Gamecocks coasted to a 92-55 victory, asserting their dominance and sending a message to the rest of the tournament field.

After the game, Dawn Staley was quick to point out that, while the win was important, the team needed to stay focused on the bigger picture. “We played well, but there’s still a long road ahead,” she said. “The tournament only gets harder from here, and we can’t afford to take any opponent lightly. I’m proud of how we executed, but our ultimate goal remains the same: a national championship.”

Chloe Kitts’ Growing Impact

One of the standout performances in the First Round came from Chloe Kitts, a freshman forward who had been making a name for herself as the season progressed. Kitts, who had already showcased flashes of brilliance throughout the regular season, delivered a breakout performance in the tournament opener. Her ability to score, rebound, and defend made her an invaluable contributor to South Carolina’s victory.

Kitts finished the game with 15 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists, playing an all-around role that illustrated just how much she had grown as a player. Her ability to stretch the floor and knock down mid-range jumpers kept Belmont’s defense on its heels, while her defensive presence on the boards helped South Carolina control the pace of the game.

In her post-game comments, Kitts reflected on her development over the season. “I’ve been working hard all year to get to this point,” she said. “My teammates and coaches have helped me grow, and I’m just trying to contribute however I can. It’s exciting to be a part of this team.”

Staley, too, acknowledged Kitts’ growth and the impact she had on the team. “Chloe has been a huge asset for us all season,” Staley said. “Her maturity for a freshman is incredible, and she’s only going to continue to get better as the tournament goes on.”

Kitts’ strong showing in the First Round provided an additional layer of confidence for a South Carolina team that was already one of the deepest in the country. With players like Kitts emerging as viable scoring options, South Carolina’s potential seemed limitless.

The Road Ahead: What’s Next for South Carolina?

With their victory over Belmont, South Carolina was ready to move on to the Second Round of the NCAA Tournament. But as any coach will tell you, the tournament only gets more challenging with each passing round. In the Second Round, the Gamecocks would likely face a much tougher opponent, one that would test their mental and physical limits.

Yet, the performance against Belmont was a clear indicator that South Carolina was well-prepared for what lay ahead. The Gamecocks had been dominant on both ends of the floor, showcasing their high-level defense and offensive efficiency. Their depth—particularly the contributions from players like Kitts, Beal, and Cooke—was a key factor in the team’s success, and it was clear that they had the ability to overwhelm opponents.

However, while the First Round victory had been convincing, the Second Round would likely present a different set of challenges. South Carolina would need to be ready to adapt, to continue playing their style of basketball, and to rely on their collective strength to advance further in the tournament. Dawn Staley’s leadership would be crucial in keeping the team focused and prepared for whatever came next.

Ultimately, the Gamecocks’ performance in the First Round was a testament to the program’s incredible talent, depth, and resilience. With a team that combined the best of both youth and experience, South Carolina looked poised to make another deep tournament run, with the national championship firmly in their sights.

As they prepared for the challenges of the Second Round, the South Carolina Gamecocks knew that the hard work was far from over. But with a squad as talented and determined as theirs, the road to the Final Four and beyond was theirs for the taking. And with Chloe Kitts continuing to rise as a star, South Carolina was only getting stronger.