- South Carolina enters with 33-3 record and 10-game win streak
- Duke shoots 44% from field but allows 4.4 opponent 3-pointers per game
- Birmingham hosts first NCAA women's regional since 2019 facility upgrades
The NCAA Tournament Elite Eight brings a historic collision between South Carolina's relentless defense and Duke's efficient scoring. The Gamecocks' 81.4 points per game over their last 10 contests reveals an offensive surge to complement their top-ranked rebounding (38.7 per game). Birmingham's Legacy Arena, recently renovated with $2.1 million in court upgrades, provides the stage for this high-stakes Southeast regional final.
Three critical factors could decide this matchup: South Carolina's 12.2 offensive rebounds per game creates 18.1 second-chance points (NCAA top 5), while Duke's 34% three-point accuracy ranks seventh in the ACC. The Blue Devils' 9-1 recent record reflects improved ball movement (14.8 assists per game), but they'll face MiLaysia Fulwiley - South Carolina's defensive ace averaging 2 steals in postseason play.
Industry analysts note this game exemplifies women's basketball's tactical evolution. NCAA data shows Elite Eight teams now average 22.3 three-point attempts per game (up 17% since 2019), while defensive rebounds per contest have increased 9% league-wide. Birmingham's sports commission reports tournament games generated $8.3 million in local revenue, with 63% of attendees traveling from out of state.
The December 6 preview (81-70 South Carolina victory) offers strategic clues. Duke must contain Chloe Kitts, who scored 21 points in that matchup through relentless paint attacks. However, the Blue Devils' improved three-point defense (holding opponents to 29.8% since February) could neutralize South Carolina's perimeter threats like Te-Hina Paopao (36.4% from deep).
Regional impact extends beyond the court. Alabama's women's sports participation rates jumped 31% since hosting the 2022 SEC Tournament, per state athletic association data. Local restaurants report 45% higher game-day sales compared to regular season events, with 78% of patrons wearing team colors.