The No. 1-seeded South Carolina Gamecock women open NCAA Tournament play today at 2 p.m., welcoming the Howard Bison to Colonial Life Arena as March Madness takes hold and the Gamecocks set their sights on avenging last season’s defeat in the Final Four.
With the women’s tournament newly expanded this year, the 16-seed Bison earned this date with South Carolina by prevailing in a closely fought, 55-51 contest over Incarnate Word in the First Four. Howard (21-9), the reigning MEAC champion, grabbed its first NCAA Tournament victory with the win. The Bison and Gamecocks have never met on the court.