South Carolina faces the Maryland Terrapins in the NCAA Sweet 16.

The stage is set. In the high-octane world of NCAA Women’s Basketball, few matchups are as thrilling as a Sweet 16 battle. South Carolina, led by the legendary Dawn Staley, faces a formidable opponent in the Maryland Terrapins. For fans of both programs, this game is more than just a contest—it’s a chance for each to prove their worth on the biggest stage. As the teams prepare for the Sweet 16, all eyes are on the players, the strategies, and the storylines that will unfold during this crucial matchup.

For South Carolina, this game represents another opportunity to cement its dominance as one of the premier programs in women’s college basketball. The Gamecocks have been the gold standard of NCAA women’s basketball for several seasons now, and under Staley’s leadership, they have become perennial title contenders. Maryland, however, is no slouch. The Terrapins bring a dynamic and balanced team to the table, capable of challenging South Carolina at every turn.

In this article, we’ll dive into the history of both teams, their journeys through the NCAA Tournament, key players to watch on both sides, and what each team needs to do to come out on top. As the Sweet 16 approaches, it’s clear that this game will be one of the most exciting of the tournament.

South Carolina’s Journey to the Sweet 16

South Carolina’s road to the Sweet 16 was a testament to their dominance and depth. With a mix of returning players, elite recruits, and seasoned veterans, the Gamecocks had no trouble breezing through the earlier rounds of the tournament. Their high-powered offense and smothering defense have made them one of the hardest teams to beat in the country, and that trend continued in their first two NCAA Tournament games.

The Gamecocks were quick to show that they were the team to beat. With star players like Aliyah Boston, the 6’5” center who’s widely regarded as one of the best players in the country, South Carolina brought both talent and size to the table. Boston’s presence in the paint, both offensively and defensively, is enough to change the entire dynamic of a game. Whether she’s blocking shots, grabbing rebounds, or scoring in the low post, Boston has proven time and again that she is the Gamecocks’ cornerstone.

Alongside Boston, Zia Cooke, one of the nation’s premier scorers, has played a pivotal role in South Carolina’s success. Cooke is a dynamic guard who can fill it up from anywhere on the floor. Her ability to stretch defenses with her range and break down defenders off the dribble has made her one of the most dangerous offensive players in college basketball. Her scoring will be crucial in this game against Maryland, as the Terrapins have a versatile defense that could pose a challenge to South Carolina’s offensive flow.

Finally, the leadership and experience provided by senior Brea Beal on both ends of the floor will be vital. Beal is the quintessential do-it-all player—capable of defending multiple positions, making key plays in clutch moments, and facilitating the offense when needed. Her ability to contribute without needing to score much makes her an X-factor for the Gamecocks.

Maryland’s Path to the Sweet 16

The Maryland Terrapins also entered the tournament with a lot of momentum, having a season marked by high-scoring performances and top-tier individual players. Under the leadership of head coach Brenda Frese, Maryland has consistently been a force to be reckoned with in women’s college basketball. Their blend of offensive firepower, strong defense, and experience on the court makes them a dangerous opponent for anyone.

Maryland’s roster is led by standout player Diamond Miller, a 6-foot guard who is one of the most explosive players in college basketball. Miller’s scoring ability, combined with her athleticism, makes her an incredibly difficult player to defend. Whether she’s driving to the basket, knocking down shots from deep, or getting to the free-throw line, Miller has been the centerpiece of Maryland’s offense all season long. In the Sweet 16, she will be looking to make a statement and prove that the Terrapins are a force to be reckoned with.

In addition to Miller, the Terrapins have a strong supporting cast, including players like Shyanne Sellers and Lavender Briggs, who have the ability to make an impact on both ends of the floor. Maryland’s depth, combined with their ability to score in a variety of ways, makes them a formidable opponent for South Carolina.

Maryland’s success this season has come from a commitment to an up-tempo style of play that utilizes their athleticism and shooting. The Terrapins are known for their ability to run the floor and get out in transition, which has allowed them to score quickly and put pressure on their opponents. Against a team like South Carolina, whose defense is stingy and disciplined, Maryland will need to focus on quick ball movement and find ways to get high-percentage shots without rushing.

Key Players to Watch

As with any high-stakes game in the NCAA Tournament, individual performances will play a huge role in determining the outcome. For South Carolina, it’s clear that Aliyah Boston, Zia Cooke, and Brea Beal are the players to watch. For Maryland, Diamond Miller, Shyanne Sellers, and Lavender Briggs will be crucial in their efforts to upend the Gamecocks.

Aliyah Boston (South Carolina)

Boston is the heart and soul of the Gamecocks, and she’ll be asked to do a lot in the Sweet 16 matchup against Maryland. Whether it’s scoring in the post, grabbing rebounds, or anchoring the defense, Boston’s impact on the game cannot be overstated. The Terrapins have the talent to compete with South Carolina, but Boston’s size and skill in the paint could be the difference-maker. She will be key in controlling the boards and limiting Maryland’s second-chance opportunities.

Zia Cooke (South Carolina)

Cooke’s scoring ability makes her a potential game-changer for South Carolina. Against a team like Maryland, whose defense is solid but not impenetrable, Cooke’s ability to stretch the floor and create offense will be critical. The Gamecocks will need her to get hot from outside the arc and break down Maryland’s defense with her speed and ball-handling.

Diamond Miller (Maryland)

Miller is a special player who can take over a game in an instant. Her ability to score in multiple ways—from three-point range to finishing at the rim—makes her a versatile offensive threat. Against South Carolina, Miller will need to be at her best, driving to the basket, creating opportunities for her teammates, and knocking down big shots when the game gets tight.

Shyanne Sellers (Maryland)

Sellers has been a crucial contributor for Maryland throughout the season. Her athleticism and ability to score both inside and outside will be important against South Carolina’s physical defense. Sellers will need to step up and help create scoring opportunities when Miller is being double-teamed or when the offense needs a spark.

Brea Beal (South Carolina)

Beal’s defense is a major asset for South Carolina, and she will have a huge role in containing Maryland’s star players. Beal will likely be tasked with guarding Miller or Sellers, and her ability to limit their scoring will go a long way in deciding the outcome. Offensively, Beal can also step up and make timely plays, even if her scoring isn’t the focal point.

What South Carolina Needs to Do to Win

To secure a victory against Maryland and continue their tournament run, South Carolina must focus on playing their brand of basketball. Defensively, they need to limit Maryland’s transition opportunities and make it difficult for the Terrapins to get easy shots. Boston’s shot-blocking and Beal’s on-ball defense will be key in disrupting Maryland’s offensive flow.

Offensively, South Carolina must get Boston the ball in the paint, where she can use her size and skill to score efficiently. They will also need to balance their offense, using Cooke’s perimeter shooting to stretch Maryland’s defense and create open looks for others.

What Maryland Needs to Do to Win

For Maryland to pull off the upset, they will need to play with confidence and pace. They’ll need to disrupt South Carolina’s rhythm by pushing the ball in transition and hitting outside shots to stretch the defense. Miller and Sellers must play aggressive, but smart, basketball, while also making sure to involve their teammates in the offense. Defensively, Maryland will need to find a way to slow down Boston in the post and limit South Carolina’s second-chance opportunities.