The 2025 NCAA Women’s Tournament brings us a hard-nosed, old-school Elite Eight showdown between defending national champion South Carolina and the gritty Duke Blue Devils. Both programs advanced behind lockdown defense and timely scoring, but now it’s time to find out who punches their ticket to the Final Four.
Can Dawn Staley and her No. 1-seeded Gamecocks reach a fifth straight Final Four? Or will Duke extend its Cinderella run behind a suffocating defensive identity and its first Elite Eight appearance since 2013?
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🔥 How South Carolina Reached the Elite Eight
- Round of 64: Defeated Norfolk State 94-38
- Round of 32: Defeated North Carolina A&T 79-51
- Sweet 16: Defeated Maryland 71-67
South Carolina had to sweat in the Sweet 16, edging out No. 4 Maryland in a back-and-forth battle. MiLaysia Fulwiley was the hero off the bench, pouring in 23 points, including a clutch go-ahead layup with just over two minutes left. Chloe Kitts added 15 points and 11 rebounds in a gritty effort from the defending champs.
This marks the Gamecocks’ fifth straight Elite Eight appearance. With Dawn Staley at the helm, their tournament poise and depth continue to shine—even when the shots aren’t falling.
🔵 How Duke Reached the Elite Eight
- Round of 64: Defeated Princeton 63-42
- Round of 32: Defeated Iowa State 68-59
- Sweet 16: Defeated North Carolina 47-38
Duke is thriving in the chaos. Their Sweet 16 win over rival UNC was a throwback slugfest—physical, defensive, and low-scoring. Oluchi Okananwa led the Blue Devils with 12 points and 10 rebounds off the bench, notching her third double-double of the year.
This is Duke’s first Elite Eight appearance in over a decade, and they did it without relying on star scoring. Defense has been their identity, allowing just 46.3 points per game across three tournament wins.
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📊 South Carolina vs Duke Women: Team Comparison
| Category | South Carolina | Duke |
| Record | 33-3 | 29-7 |
| Tournament Seed | No. 1 | No. 2 |
| Points Per Game | 80.4 | 66.1 |
| Points Allowed Per Game | 56.2 | 52.9 |
| FG% | 47.1% | 41.2% |
| Rebounds Per Game | 42.3 | 36.6 |
| Tournament Wins Margin | +27.0 avg. | +13.0 avg. |
| Elite Eight Appearances | 9 (Last: 2024) | 12 (Last: 2013) |
⭐️ Key Players in South Carolina vs Duke Women
South Carolina Gamecocks
- MiLaysia Fulwiley (G): The electric sophomore came off the bench to score 23 points vs Maryland and has become South Carolina’s go-to spark.
- Chloe Kitts (F): Provides size, rebounding, and inside scoring. Had a double-double in the Sweet 16.
- Raven Johnson (G): South Carolina’s floor general and elite perimeter defender.
Duke Blue Devils
- Oluchi Okananwa (G/F): Super-sub who posted a double-double in the Sweet 16. Can score and rebound with energy.
- Ashlon Jackson (G): Quietly efficient guard who scored 10 points vs UNC.
- Toby Fournier (F): Duke’s leading scorer this season, still working back to form after illness.
🧠 Coaching Matchup
- Dawn Staley (South Carolina): A tournament legend with two national championships and an unmatched ability to keep her team poised in big moments.
- Kara Lawson (Duke): In just a few seasons, Lawson has restored Duke’s national profile. She’s coached her team into a defensive fortress with Final Four grit.
💰 South Carolina vs Duke Women Odds & Predictions
| Bet Type | Projected Odds |
| Spread | South Carolina -6.5 |
| Over/Under | 129.5 |
| Moneyline | South Carolina -280 |
| Moneyline | Duke +220 |
🔒 Best Bets:
- South Carolina -6.5: The Gamecocks’ late-game execution, size, and athleticism should eventually break through Duke’s defensive wall.
- Under 129.5: These are two of the top defensive teams in the tournament. Expect long possessions and low scoring.
- 1H Spread Duke +4.5: Duke’s defense could keep this close early.
🔑 Keys to the Game
What South Carolina Must Do:
- Dominate the glass – They’ve been elite on the boards, and second-chance points will matter in a defensive game.
- Get into transition – Fulwiley and Johnson thrive in the open floor. Don’t let Duke slow the tempo.
- Handle the pressure – Duke will try to grind this game to a halt. Patience is key.
What Duke Must Do:
- Keep the game in the 60s – A low-possession battle favors the Blue Devils.
- Win the turnover battle – Their defensive rotations must be sharp to disrupt South Carolina’s rhythm.
- Get offense from somewhere – Whether it’s Fournier, Okananwa, or Ashlon Jackson, Duke needs someone to break out.
🏆 South Carolina vs Duke Women Prediction
Duke has been remarkable, winning three straight with gritty, throwback basketball. But South Carolina has faced—and survived—these types of games before. With Fulwiley emerging as a breakout star, and a championship-tested core, the Gamecocks should wear Duke down.
Final Score Prediction: South Carolina 68, Duke 59
Pick: South Carolina -6.5
Best Bet: Under 129.5
MVP: MiLaysia Fulwiley (19 pts, 5 ast)
📺 How to Watch South Carolina vs Duke Women
- Date: Sunday, March 30, 2025
- Time: 1:00 PM ET
- Location: Legacy Arena, Birmingham, AL
- TV: ABC
- Streaming: ESPN+, fuboTV, NCAA March Madness Live
🧠 Final Word: Can Duke Pull Off the Stunner?
South Carolina vs Duke women is a stylistic chess match: speed vs structure, tempo vs tenacity. If Duke can turn this into a defensive rock fight, they’ll have a shot. But South Carolina’s depth, rebounding, and tournament experience give them the edge.
One thing is certain—this won’t be easy for either side. Expect 40 minutes of intensity, physicality, and championship energy in Birmingham.
