Women’s College Basketball Game of the Week: No. 1 South Carolina vs. No. 9 NC State

Women's college basketball is back and with it comes the highly anticipated nonconference clash as the No. 1 South Carolina Gamecocks take on the No. 9 NC State Wolfpack.

NC State will travel to Charlotte, North Carolina to face the Gamecocks on Sunday, Nov. 10.

The last time these teams met was in the 2024 Final Four where South Carolina ended NC States season.

The Gamecocks enter into this matchup after an incredible undefeated season and national championship title. With a mix of new and returning faces to this team's roster, head coach Dawn Staley looks to recreate the magic they captured in their previous campaign.

South Carolina is a team known for their fast-paced quick offense and strong defense. Coming off a shaky season opener win against Michigan; the Gamecocks are looking to secure their footing in this new season.

With the return of seasoned players such as Raven Johnson and Te-Hina Paopa we can expect to see strong impacts for this team on both players ends.

However, with the loss of South Carolinas scoring and rebounding leader Kamilla Cardoso, the Gamecocks have some big shoes to fill this season, especially down low in the paint.

Ashlyn Watkins is expected to fill the void left by Cardoso, but her debut has been delayed this season by legal matters. However, she is slated to make her return just in time for this Sundays matchup.

NC State surprised many last season with a great run ending in the Final Four. However, they return this season after a difficult loss to South Carolina, led by head coach Wes Moore, looking to rewrite some endings all in pursuit of their own undefeated season.

NC State is a team defined by their ability to keep a cool head, bringing a balanced attack and a strong defense that has proved difficult for South Carolina in the past.

NC States star guard Saniya Rivers is sure to lead her team this season, giving this NC State team a great offensive edge.

Coming off a strong win over East Tennessee State, NC State looks poised to enter this new season better than before and with improvements to the teams overall shooting percentage, something that proved to be their downfall in their previous season.

This and many more changes to NC States strategies are sure to prove difficult for South Carolina. This highly anticipated re-match is sure to showcase early insights as to what to expect this season from both teams.

This matchup is sure to kickstart an incredible return to women's basketball and is definitely not a game you’ll want to miss.

Brooke Casey is a third-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact her, please email bec5457@psu.edu.