South Carolina is favored to win the women’s 2024 NCAA March Madness Basketball Tournament Final 4 matchup against NC State, based on their overall performance, strengths, and weaknesses.
South Carolina Strengths:
- Defensive Dominance: South Carolina holds opponents to an effective field goal percentage of 36.4, the top defensive mark in the nation. This is largely due to the 6-foot-7 Cardoso protecting the basket.
- Offensive Improvement: The Gamecocks have become more efficient overall on offense, playing at a faster tempo. They have improved their 3-point shooting to a 39% clip in 2023-24, addressing a weakness from the previous year.
- Tournament Performance: South Carolina has shown resilience in close games, such as their 79-75 win over Indiana in the Sweet 16, where they shot 8 of 16 from beyond the arc.
South Carolina Weaknesses:
- Free Throw Shooting: The Gamecocks shoot just 69% from the free throw line and struggle to get there, which could be a disadvantage in the Final Four.
NC State Strengths:
- Low Foul Rate: The Wolfpack have the fourth-lowest foul rate in the nation, which could be an advantage in the Final Four.
- Defensive Boards: N.C. State has done a good job on the defensive boards, which could be a more important asset than the low foul rate.
- Outside Shooting: The Wolfpack have shown strong outside shooting in their recent games, going 16 of 35 from 3-point range against Texas and Stanford.
NC State Weaknesses:
- Offensive Rating: The Wolfpack are just 25th in offensive rating, indicating they aren’t great at forcing turnovers or getting offensive rebounds.
- Creating Extra Chances: For a team with fairly middling shooting percentages, N.C. State’s inability to create extra chances could be a problem.
Predictions and Odds:
- The Gamecocks are favored to win, with odds set at South Carolina (-11.5) and money lines at South Carolina (-800); NC State (+550).
- The matchup is expected to come down to who’s better down low, with Cardoso’s matchup against River Baldwin of NC State being a key factor. South Carolina’s bench will also pose a significant challenge to the Wolfpack.
Given South Carolina’s defensive dominance, offensive improvement, and proven performance in close games, they are the favorite to advance to the championship game. However, NC State’s strengths in defensive boards and outside shooting, along with their low foul rate, make them a formidable opponent.
South Carolina’s defensive dominance stands out among the teams in the Final Four, showcasing a unique strength that sets them apart. Their defensive prowess is not just about stopping opponents but also about creating opportunities for their own offense. This is evident in their ability to hold opponents to an effective field goal percentage of 36.4, the top defensive mark in the nation, which is largely due to the presence of 6-foot-7 Kamilla Cardoso protecting the basket.
Comparing South Carolina’s defensive dominance to other teams in the Final Four, it’s clear that their defensive strategy and execution are exceptional. While specific defensive rankings or statistics for the other teams in the Final Four are not provided in the sources, the consensus is that South Carolina’s defensive approach is unparalleled. This is supported by their ability to outlast opponents in high-pressure situations, as indicated by their depth and the fact that they have logged the fewest individual minutes of any team remaining in the tournament. This depth allows South Carolina to maintain a consistent defensive presence without relying on any single player to carry the load, making them a formidable opponent in the Final Four.
Moreover, South Carolina’s defensive dominance is not just about stopping the opponent’s offense but also about creating scoring opportunities for themselves. This is a testament to their defensive versatility and their ability to adapt to different opponents’ styles. Their defensive strategy has been a key factor in their success throughout the season, including their victories over ranked opponents like UConn and LSU.
In summary, South Carolina’s defensive dominance is unmatched among the teams in the Final Four, characterized by their ability to hold opponents to low field goal percentages, their depth and versatility in defense, and their knack for creating scoring opportunities. This combination of strengths makes them a favorite to advance in the tournament and a formidable opponent in the Final Four.
South Carolina is the favorite to advance to the championship game over NC State. Here’s a breakdown of the strengths and weaknesses of each team:
South Carolina
Strengths:
Dominant defense, holding opponents to an effective field goal percentage of just 36.4% – the best in the nation.
Strong interior presence with 6’7″ center Kamilla Cardoso protecting the rim.
Improved 3-point shooting, making 39% of their attempts this season after struggling from deep in previous years.
Well-balanced offense that can score both inside and out.
Weaknesses:
Relatively poor free throw shooting at 69%.
Don’t get to the free throw line as often as some other top teams.
NC State
Strengths:
One of the lowest foul rates in the country, which could negate South Carolina’s free throw struggles.
Strong defensive rebounding, which will be important against South Carolina’s size.
Weaknesses:
Mediocre offensive rating, ranking just 25th in the country.
Struggle to force turnovers or get offensive rebounds, limiting second chance points.
Fairly middling shooting percentages overall, which could be an issue against South Carolina’s stifling defense.
Overall, South Carolina’s dominant defense and interior presence make them the clear favorite over the more offensively challenged NC State squad. The Gamecocks’ ability to score both inside and out should be too much for the Wolfpack to handle. Unless NC State can find a way to limit South Carolina’s second chance opportunities and get hot from the perimeter, the defending champions look primed to return to the national title game.
The key players to watch in the women’s 2024 NCAA March Madness Basketball Tournament Final 4 are:
Kamilla Cardoso (South Carolina) – The 6’7″ center is a dominant interior presence who anchors South Carolina’s stifling defense.
Caitlin Clark (Iowa) – The star guard is the nation’s leading scorer and has set numerous season and career records for her prolific offensive production.
Paige Bueckers (UConn) – Considered by many as the best player in women’s college basketball, the UConn junior will look to lead the Huskies to another title.
Te-Hina Paopao (South Carolina) – The Gamecocks’ talented point guard runs the show for the nation’s top-ranked team.
These four players are among the most talented and impactful in the country, and their performances in the Final Four will be crucial in determining which team cuts down the nets. Cardoso, Clark, Bueckers, and Paopao are all capable of taking over games and leading their teams to victory.
South Carolina Gamecocks:
Strengths:
Strong Defense: South Carolina is known for its stifling defense, often leading to turnovers and fast break opportunities.
Talented Roster: They typically have a roster filled with top-tier recruits and experienced players who excel in both offense and defense.
Coaching: With a renowned coach like Dawn Staley, South Carolina has excellent leadership and game strategies.
Weaknesses:
Offensive Efficiency: While their defense is formidable, they may sometimes struggle with offensive consistency, particularly against well-organized defenses.
Rebounding: Despite having strong interior players, South Carolina may sometimes face challenges in rebounding against taller or more physical teams.
NC State Wolfpack:
Strengths:
Balanced Offense: NC State often boasts a balanced scoring attack, with multiple players capable of putting up points, making them difficult to defend.
Rebounding: They typically excel in rebounding, particularly on the offensive glass, giving them extra scoring opportunities.
Experience: NC State often has experienced players who have been through tough games and high-pressure situations, which can be advantageous in close games.
Weaknesses:
Defensive Consistency: While they can play solid defense, they may sometimes struggle with consistency, leading to lapses in crucial moments.
Depth: Depending heavily on key players can sometimes be a weakness if those players get into foul trouble or face injuries.
Here’s the breakdown of the South Carolina vs. NC State matchup:
Favorite: South Carolina is favored to win. They were the overall #1 seed and are looking to redeem themselves after a National Semifinal loss last year.
South Carolina Strengths:
Experience: Loaded with veteran players who have been to the Final Four before.
Balanced Scoring: Multiple threats offensively, making it hard to focus on shutting down one player.
Defense: They have a strong defensive presence that can disrupt opposing teams’ rhythm.
South Carolina Weaknesses:
Interior Defense: NC State has a strong post presence, which could exploit any weaknesses South Carolina has inside.
Turnovers: If they turn the ball over too much, it could give NC State easy scoring opportunities.
NC State Strengths:
Defense: They boast a stingy defense that helped them upset #1 seed Texas in the Elite Eight.
Post Play: Strong inside presence with skilled players who can score and rebound effectively.
Motivation: They are underdogs and playing with a chip on their shoulder.
NC State Weaknesses:
Experience: Less Final Four experience compared to South Carolina.
Overall Offense: Their scoring might not be as diverse as South Carolina’s.
Overall: It should be a close game. South Carolina’s experience and balance might be the deciding factor, but NC State’s defense and strong post play can’t be ignored.