“Rematch” Elite 8 No. 2 Maryland vs No. 1 South Carolina preview
It’s been 8 years since Maryland made an Elite 8 appearance, and now eight years later a “chance meeting”.
Maryland is back in the elite eight one step closer to the national championship. The South Carolina Gamecocks are looking to repeat.
“They’re just more efficient. They’re playing with certainty now. I think we played them in the second game of the season, and there was a lot of uncertainty because they had a lot of new players, and new faces, and they hadn’t quite figured it out. We really hadn’t quite figured ourselves out, either.” Coach Dawn Staley stated in the prepress.
The Keys to Victory!
Diamond Miller did not play in the regular season matchup!
Since Miller has been a terp, she did not play the first two matchups due to injury. If you remember Maryland as the team was still figuring out what the roster looked like. When you have 85 percent of starters, you plug in pieces where you hope they can fit. “She did probably some of her best work this year in the type of team — that she lost to the transfer portal, and then transforming this team into an Elite 8 team, one step from going to the Final Four.” Coach Staley stated. A fully healthy lineup, along with a bench that can be extended and give your quality minutes, and energy is going to be key.
Maryland is peaking at the right time
If you watched the last year Maryland has dealt with critics, and to be here at this moment credit the staff, and the players being brought in and trusting one another. South Carolina has more experience starters wise but at the end of the day this team of 40 minutes can compete with any team.
This is not David V.S Golith
Next, Maryland must find ways to challenge South Carolina on the offensive side of the ball. Maryland in the transition game was good but the gamecock’s size showed a lot.
Maryland has faced Arizona, and Notre Dame and persevered but Maryland will be ready for South Carolina.
Maryland for 40 minutes will make South Carolina work for every point.
Finally, this is enemy territory the gamecock fans will be in the building, and bring the energy and Maryland can not let that get to them.
Nathan’s Keys to the game
- Maryland must come out aggressive
- The transition game for Maryland
- That starting lineup with Brinae early worked
- Press zone defense against
- Take away the size of South Carolina
- Maryland’s bench must get going early
- The gameplan against Notre Dame worked
- Kim Mulkey said Two SEC are going to the final four? Let’s prove her wrong
Prediction Score: Maryland (69) South Carolina (72)
Nathan’s Prediction: Maryland advances to the final four Maryland (65) South Carolina (59) GUARANTEE
