Tennessee Tech will play the South Carolina Gamecocks in the NCAA Tournament.

As the 2025 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament approaches, fans across the country are eagerly awaiting one of the most anticipated matchups in the opening rounds: the Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles will take on the South Carolina Gamecocks in a battle that promises to be filled with intensity, emotion, and plenty of basketball excitement. This game is not just an ordinary matchup between two teams; it’s an opportunity for Tennessee Tech to prove themselves on a national stage, and for South Carolina to continue their pursuit of a national championship.

The tournament itself, known for its unpredictability, is filled with surprises and Cinderella stories. Teams like Tennessee Tech, who are considered underdogs, have the chance to create history and shock the basketball world, while heavyweights like South Carolina are expected to continue their march toward a deep tournament run. As the two teams gear up for this showdown, let’s take a closer look at what makes this matchup so compelling.

South Carolina Gamecocks: The Heavy Favorites

The South Carolina Gamecocks, led by head coach Dawn Staley, have established themselves as a dominant force in women’s college basketball. With a storied history, including national championships, Final Four appearances, and a consistently strong roster, South Carolina enters the 2025 NCAA Tournament as one of the favorites to win the title.

At the heart of the Gamecocks’ success is their exceptional talent, both on offense and defense. A key player for South Carolina is Aliyah Boston, who is widely considered one of the best players in the country. Boston’s combination of size, skill, and basketball IQ makes her a dominant force in the paint. Whether it’s grabbing rebounds, blocking shots, or scoring in the post, Boston is capable of taking over a game and is a matchup nightmare for opponents.

Alongside Boston is Zia Cooke, a dynamic guard who can score in a variety of ways. Cooke’s ability to hit shots from long range, drive to the basket, and create opportunities for her teammates makes her one of the most dangerous players in the country. She brings leadership and a strong competitive edge to the Gamecocks’ backcourt, and her presence will be crucial for South Carolina’s success in the tournament.

In addition to Boston and Cooke, the Gamecocks have a deep roster of players who are capable of stepping up in big moments. Players like Laeticia Amihere, a versatile forward, and Bree Hall, a tenacious defender, provide South Carolina with balance and depth. This well-rounded team has been a consistent contender under Staley’s leadership, and they are poised to make a serious run at another national championship in 2025.

South Carolina’s defense is also a major strength. Known for their intensity, they are one of the best defensive teams in the country. The Gamecocks are excellent at forcing turnovers, contesting shots, and defending the perimeter. With the combination of their offensive firepower and defensive prowess, South Carolina is a force to be reckoned with in this year’s NCAA Tournament.

Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles: The Underdogs with Something to Prove

On the other side of the matchup stands the Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles, a team that enters the tournament with something to prove. As an underdog, Tennessee Tech may not have the same star power as South Carolina, but they bring a level of grit, determination, and team chemistry that could make them a formidable opponent in this high-stakes game.

Tennessee Tech has a history of success in their own right, having made several NCAA Tournament appearances. However, they have often been overlooked when compared to the powerhouse programs of the SEC and ACC. The Golden Eagles are known for their tough, scrappy style of play, which often allows them to compete with teams that are more talented on paper. While South Carolina is favored in this matchup, Tennessee Tech has the potential to surprise fans and analysts alike.

One of the key players for Tennessee Tech is senior guard, Jada Gunther. Known for her scoring ability, Gunther can stretch the floor with her three-point shooting and create plays for her teammates. Her leadership on the court will be critical as the Golden Eagles face one of the toughest teams in the nation. Gunther’s ability to step up in clutch moments and keep Tennessee Tech in the game will be an essential factor in the outcome of the contest.

In addition to Gunther, Tennessee Tech also boasts a strong supporting cast, including Tara O’Neill, a physical forward who excels in the post and is known for her rebounding ability. O’Neill’s size and strength will be key in matching up against South Carolina’s formidable frontcourt. Her ability to battle in the paint will help Tennessee Tech compete with the Gamecocks’ inside presence.

Tennessee Tech’s success also relies on their ability to play as a team. The Golden Eagles are known for their unselfish ball movement and solid defensive rotations. While they may not have the depth of South Carolina, Tennessee Tech’s ability to work together and rely on team defense could be the difference in keeping the game close.

As an underdog, Tennessee Tech will have to overcome significant challenges to pull off an upset. South Carolina’s talent, experience, and depth are hard to match, but Tennessee Tech’s toughness and will to compete should not be underestimated. If the Golden Eagles can execute their game plan and make the most of their opportunities, they have the potential to shock the basketball world.

Key Matchup: Inside Play vs. Guard Play

One of the most intriguing aspects of this matchup is the contrast in playing styles between the two teams. South Carolina’s strength lies in their dominant inside play, led by Aliyah Boston and Laeticia Amihere. The Gamecocks have the size and skill to control the paint on both ends of the floor. On defense, they are able to lock down their opponents in the post, while offensively, they run a system that frequently feeds the ball to Boston in the low block, where she is nearly unstoppable.

Tennessee Tech, on the other hand, will rely heavily on their guard play. Jada Gunther’s ability to stretch the floor with her shooting will be key in creating offensive opportunities for the Golden Eagles. If Gunther can knock down shots from beyond the arc and open up space for her teammates, Tennessee Tech may be able to challenge South Carolina’s defense. Additionally, Gunther’s ability to attack the rim and get to the free-throw line could be crucial in putting pressure on South Carolina’s defense.

Tennessee Tech’s defense will also play a key role in how the game unfolds. The Golden Eagles will need to find a way to neutralize South Carolina’s inside game while preventing Zia Cooke and other perimeter players from finding their rhythm. If Tennessee Tech can disrupt South Carolina’s offensive flow and force the Gamecocks into tough shots, they might be able to hang with them through the latter stages of the game.

However, Tennessee Tech’s defense will be tested like never before. South Carolina’s offense is one of the most potent in the country, and their ability to score in transition, from the perimeter, and in the post gives them an edge in this matchup. Tennessee Tech will need to be disciplined and communicate well on defense to avoid giving up easy baskets.

Keys to Victory for South Carolina

For South Carolina, the path to victory in this game is clear: control the paint, dominate the glass, and play tough, smart defense. The Gamecocks are the more talented team, and if they can execute their game plan effectively, they will be hard to stop. Aliyah Boston’s presence in the post will be crucial in establishing an early lead. Additionally, Zia Cooke and the other guards must create opportunities by breaking down Tennessee Tech’s defense and getting easy baskets in transition.

South Carolina must also avoid complacency and focus on playing their game. The Gamecocks cannot afford to underestimate Tennessee Tech, as March Madness has a history of producing surprises. If they maintain their focus, intensity, and commitment to playing strong defense, South Carolina should be able to secure the win.

Keys to Victory for Tennessee Tech

For Tennessee Tech, the strategy will be a bit more nuanced. The Golden Eagles need to take advantage of their shooting ability, especially from the perimeter, to stretch South Carolina’s defense. Jada Gunther must be aggressive and look for opportunities to attack the basket while also finding her teammates in open spots for three-pointers.

Tennessee Tech must also play solid defense, particularly in the post. If they can slow down Aliyah Boston and prevent South Carolina from getting easy baskets inside, they will increase their chances of staying in the game. Rebounding will be a critical factor as well—Tennessee Tech must match South Carolina’s intensity on the boards if they want to limit second-chance opportunities.

Finally, the Golden Eagles must embrace the underdog role. They need to stay confident, play free, and not get intimidated by the big stage. Tennessee Tech’s best chance at an upset lies in their ability to play together as a team, execute their game plan, and make the most of their opportunities.

 An Exciting NCAA Tournament Showdown

The game between Tennessee Tech and South Carolina in the 2025 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament will be one of the most highly anticipated matchups of the opening rounds. While South Carolina enters the game as the overwhelming favorite, Tennessee Tech has the potential to surprise and make a statement on the national stage.

For South Carolina, this game is an opportunity to demonstrate their dominance and continue their quest for a national championship. With players like Aliyah Boston and Zia Cooke leading the way, the Gamecocks are capable of overpowering their opponents. For Tennessee Tech, the challenge is monumental, but their tenacity, shooting ability, and team chemistry make them a dangerous opponent. Whether they can upset the powerhouse Gamecocks remains to be seen, but one thing is for sure: this game will be filled with drama, intensity, and the passion that makes March Madness so thrilling.

In the end, it’s the unpredictability of the NCAA Tournament that makes it so special, and this game between Tennessee Tech and South Carolina is sure to be another memorable chapter in the history of women’s basketball.