The women’s March Madness tournament continues this Friday when Texas (36-3) clashes with South Carolina (34-3) at 7 p.m. ET. This will be the fourth meeting between the SEC giants this season.
The Longhorns rolled into their first Final Four appearance since 2003 after picking up a wire-to-wire victory over 2-seed TCU in the Elite Eight. Led by second-year forward Madison Booker, Texas plays a physical brand of basketball, living in the paint on offense and dominating the glass on defense.
The Gamecocks are seeking their third national title in four years under the direction of Dawn Staley. South Carolina squeaked by 4-seed Maryland and 2-seed Duke to advance to the Final Four, where it awaits a familiar rival. This team hasn’t been quite as dominant as in years past, but you can never count them out.
Texas vs South Carolina Odds
- Spread: Texas +4.5 (-105) • South Carolina -4.5 (-115)
- Total: Over 126.5 (-105) • Under 126.5 (-115)
- Moneyline: Texas (+170) • South Carolina (-205)
South Carolina is a 4.5-point favorite over Texas, per the latest NCAAB odds. The Gamecocks are 2-1 against the Longhorns this season, with the lone loss coming in Austin. Most recently, South Carolina took down Texas in the SEC Tournament title game, 64-45.
The total is unsurprisingly set at a meager 126.5 points. Both teams are known for their stifling defenses, and neither scored more than 67 in their head-to-head matchups this season. The average scoring total in the three games was 118 points.
Texas vs South Carolina Prediction
South Carolina 66, Texas 56
These Gamecocks may not be as efficient on either end of the floor as the title-winning teams of the last several years, but they remain one of the most imposing forces the sport has to offer. The narrow NCAA Tournament victories raise some red flags, sure, but the last thing I want to do is bet against Staley.
I also can’t ignore the fact that South Carolina has made relatively light work of its opponent, handing Texas two of its three losses on the season. Booker was largely held in check in all three meetings, averaging 12.3 points and 9.3 rebounds on an abysmal 25.9% shooting from the field.
Longhorns guard Rori Harmon made headlines for her stellar defensive performance against TCU, contributing to Hailey Van Lith’s woeful outing (3-for-15 FG, seven turnovers), and Texas will need her to be at her best against the Gamecocks.
With that said, South Carolina is largely led by forwards Chloe Kitts, Joyce Edwards, and Sania Feagin, who combined for 37 of the team’s 64 points when they last took on the Horns. If Texas can’t find a way to slow them down, it won’t have much hope of advancing to the national championship.
Texas vs South Carolina Best Bets
South Carolina -4.5 (-115) vs Texas
DraftKings Sportsbook • WAGER: 1 Unit
South Carolina won each of its last two games by exactly four points, so oddsmakers are sticking it to us by offering the Gamecocks as 4.5-point favorites. I’m not straying, though.
Texas has arguably been the more impressive team throughout March Madness, but I have my concerns about this team’s ability to go toe-to-toe with South Carolina once more.
Staley and the Gamecocks have a proven track record of success on this stage, and that matters tremendously this time of year. Back South Carolina against the spread with your best college basketball bet today.
Under 126.5 Points (-115)
DraftKings Sportsbook • WAGER: 1 Unit
There isn’t a doubt in my mind that this game will be won on the defensive end of the floor. Both teams take immense pride in their physicality and ability to pound the ball inside, which contributes directly to a low-scoring game.
- Check out our UConn vs UCLA Predictions for more March Madness betting tips.
This total isn’t set too low, either. As mentioned above, Texas and South Carolina combined for an average of 118 points in three previous meetings this year, with the highest-scoring game coming in at 128 points.
It wouldn’t surprise me if neither team manages to crack 60. Take the Under.
