South Carolina Vs North Carolina Women's Basketball
The rivalry between the universities of South Carolina and North Carolina extends beyond the football field and into the basketball court, particularly among the women's teams. The two states share a border, but their rivalries run deep, fueled by history, geography, and a fierce sense of competition. In this article, we will take a closer look at the South Carolina vs North Carolina women's basketball rivalry and delve into the history behind it.
Rivalry Born on the Hardwood
The rivalry between South Carolina and North Carolina on the basketball court began during the 1974-75 season. The Tar Heels of North Carolina defeated the Gamecocks of South Carolina 70-47 in the first meeting between these teams. Since then, both programs have developed into women's basketball powerhouses, with numerous conference titles, NCAA tournament appearances, and WNBA players to their credit.
Head-to-Head Record
The head-to-head record between the two teams heavily favors the Tar Heels. They have won 25 of the 37 meetings between the schools. However, since Dawn Staley took over as the head coach of the Gamecocks in 2008, South Carolina has gone 6-3 against North Carolina, including a 92-65 victory in the 2015 Sweet 16.
South Carolina Women's Basketball Program
The South Carolina women's basketball program has come a long way since its inception in 1974. The team has won four SEC regular season titles and five SEC tournament championships. The Gamecocks have also made ten appearances in the NCAA tournament, reaching the Final Four three times, including back-to-back trips in 2015 and 2016. Star players like A'ja Wilson, Tiffany Mitchell, and Alaina Coates have helped establish South Carolina as one of the top women's basketball programs in the country.
North Carolina Women's Basketball Program
The North Carolina women's basketball program has a proud tradition dating back to the 1970s. The Tar Heels have won 18 ACC regular season titles and nine ACC tournament championships. They have also made 28 appearances in the NCAA tournament, reaching the Final Four three times. North Carolina has produced some of the greatest women's basketball players of all time, including Charlotte Smith, Ivory Latta, and Crystal Dunn.
Players to Watch
The South Carolina vs North Carolina women's basketball game always features some of the best talent in the country. Both teams have star players who can take over games and lead their respective squads to victory. Here are a few players to watch for in the upcoming matchup:
- Aliyah Boston - South Carolina
- Zia Cooke - South Carolina
- Leilani Mitchell - North Carolina
- Diamond DeShields - North Carolina
Conclusion
The rivalry between South Carolina and North Carolina on the basketball court will continue to be fierce and competitive. Both programs have established themselves as perennial contenders on the national stage, and their matchups are always highly anticipated. Whether you are a fan of the Gamecocks or the Tar Heels, there is no denying the excitement and intensity that comes with a South Carolina vs North Carolina women's basketball game.