The No. 1 seed South Carolina Gamecocks (32-3) face No. 4 Maryland (25-7) in the Sweet 16 of the 2025 NCAA Women’s Tournament on Friday. The Gamecocks are the defending national champions and have dominated their way to this point, but they had a bit of a scare against Indiana in the Round of 32.
Meanwhile, Maryland survived a 111-108 double-overtime thriller against Alabama, showing its offensive firepower. The Terps’ fast-paced, guard-heavy lineup will test South Carolina’s elite defense, but will it be enough to pull off an upset?
South Carolina vs. Maryland Betting Preview
All South Carolina vs. Maryland odds are from DraftKings Sportsbook and are correct as of Friday, March 28, 2025.
- Spread: South Carolina -17.5
- Moneyline: South Carolina -2778, Maryland +1200
- Over/Under: 150.5 points
- Game Time: Friday, March 28, 2025 | 5 p.m. ET
- Location: Legacy Arena at BJCC | Birmingham, Alabama
- How To Watch: ESPN
South Carolina enters as a heavy favorite, which isn’t surprising given its dominance throughout the season. The Gamecocks shoot 47% from the field, significantly higher than the 41.7% field-goal percentage Maryland allows.
When South Carolina shoots above that threshold, it is 16-9 against the spread and a perfect 25-0 straight up. However, Maryland boasts an explosive offense, averaging 81 points per game, 23.7 more than the Gamecocks typically allow. This compares in styles makes for an intriguing matchup.
South Carolina vs. Maryland CSN Winning Probability
- South Carolina: 90%
- Maryland: 10%
The CSN model gives South Carolina a dominant edge, which aligns with the Vegas odds. While Maryland’s offensive output is impressive, the Gamecocks’ defensive efficiency and ability to control the tempo make them overwhelming favorites.
The Terrapins’ ability to compete hinges on limiting turnovers, as they average 16 per game, something South Carolina will look to use to their advantage.
Prediction for South Carolina vs. Maryland
South Carolina has thrived in transition this season, and Maryland’s turnover issues could spell trouble. Dawn Staley’s squad will look to pressure Maryland’s ball handlers early and often, forcing live-ball turnovers that lead to easy buckets.
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Maryland guard Kaylene Smikle (17.8 PPG) will be a key factor in keeping the Terrapins in the game, but South Carolina’s defense is built to neutralize high-scoring guards.
Maryland’s ability to rebound despite a lack of size is commendable, but South Carolina’s physicality in the paint could wear down the Terps over 40 minutes. If the Gamecocks establish an early lead, it will be difficult for Maryland to mount a comeback against one of the best defenses in the country.
Prediction: South Carolina 88, Maryland 65
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