NCAA Tournament 2017 Sweet 16: Grading Each Team’s Title Hopes

March 18, 2017; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs guard Jordan Mathews (4) and guard Nigel Williams-Goss (5) react against the Northwestern Wildcats during the first half in the second round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports /

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Mar 19, 2017; Greenville, SC, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks guard Sindarius Thornwell (0) celebrates after beating the Duke Blue Devils in the second round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /

South Carolina Gamecocks (7) – East Region

Much like their SEC conference-mates, the South Carolina Gamecocks are another team that has proven to be elite on the defensive end throughout this season. Though they allowed 81 points in their upset victory over the Duke Blue Devils, they locked down when they needed to and really used their ability to force bad shots and create turnovers to change the pace of the game and get the momentum rolling in their favor.

The win over Marquette also showcased just how talented the South Carolina defense is, as the Golden Eagles quietly boasted one of the most explosive offenses in the country. Put simply, the Gamecocks can shut anyone down.

What was important for them in the opening weekend wins, though, was that they were able to take advantage of average-to-bad defenses, something they didn’t do consistently in the regular season. As a whole, the South Carolina offense hasn’t been particularly inspiring. But when they were up against disjointed and lackluster defenses in the tournament, they capitalized to advance.

Unfortunately, a matchup against Florida or Wisconsin in the Elite Eight—if they even get past Baylor—isn’t going to pit them against that type of defense. If that’s the case, I don’t think that the Gamecocks ultimately have the offensive potency to outlast either of those teams. Given that I don’t think they have a chance to get to the Final Four, they’re title hopes are simply nonexistent.

Chances: Nah

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