The story of the women’s NCAA Tournament this 2024 has been largely about the title-chases in Iowa Clark and the Iowa Hawkeyes and the defending champions in the LSU Tigers. However for former NFL player Pat McAfee, the two schools have a bigger threat to deal with: the South Carolina Gamecocks.
According to McAfee, the Gamecocks’ dominance this year really stands out to him.
South Carolina Gamecocks Explodes on North Carolina Tar Heels

The Gamecocks are through to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament after destroying the North Carolina Tar Heels, 88-41.
South Carolina went to an undefeated 35-0 run during the season and continued their streak in March Madness. Sure enough, they showed the Tar Heels how huge their talent gap is with that 47-point blowout led by MiLaysia Fulwiley and Kamilla Cardoso.
Fulwiley dropped 20 points off the bench, while Cardoso was the usual double-double monster that she is with 10 points and 12 rebounds.
South Carolina got off to a hot start and took a 28-8 lead in the first quarter. They never looked back from there as they made the no. 8 seeds look incompetent at all.

The Gamecocks’ offense and defense are top-notch, and that much is clear after only one player from the Tar Heels scored in double digits–Alyssa Ustby with 12–while South Carolina had five reaching the scoring mark.
South Carolina entered the tournament as heavy favorites to win the title, and they are surely living up to expectations. Many could even argue that they are exceeding them.
Pat McAfee Impressed by Dawn Staley’s South Carolina Gamecocks

In fact, former NFL Pro Bowler turned media personality Pat McAfee is so impressed by Dawn Staley’s South Carolina Gamecocks that he believes the team has separated itself from the rest of the other contenders.
McAfee even mentioned the Iowa Hawkeyes and LSU Tigers, adding that the two teams aren’t even close to the South Carolina Gamecocks.
“This South Carolina team almost won by 50. I mean they are unstoppable. This South Carolina team may be the most dominant basketball team I’ve ever seen on the court. … That South Carolina team’s going to be a problem,” McAfee said on his show on Monday, via On3 Sports.
“Iowa’s got the heart. LSU’s got the pedigree, obviously. They’ve won a national championship. But that women’s tournament seemingly goes through one team and one team alone, and that’s the team that hasn’t lost yet and doesn’t seem to be anywhere close.”
It’s hard to argue with McAfee’s statement, though. While the Hawkeyes and Tigers can compete with anyone, the fact of the matter is the Gamecocks are currently the best team in the NCAA Tournament. And until another one defeats them, that will be the case.
To McAfee’s view. however, he doesn’t see anyone competing against Staley’s crew.

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