By Chris Havlicek
Updated 3/30/24 12:52am ET
Undefeated and top-ranked South Carolina remains the overwhelming favorite to win the Women’s NCAA Tournament but the Gamecocks showed vulnerability in their 79-75 Sweet 16 victory over Indiana.
Favored by 15.5 points, South Carolina appeared as though it would cover after building a 22-point lead early in the second half. However, the Hoosiers pulled within two points with 1:03 left.
South Carolina is now 35-0 and a -175 title favorite at DraftKings Sportsbook. The Gamecocks next face Oregon State on Sunday and are favored by 14.5 points in their Elite 8 matchup.
The second-favorite is Iowa (+750), which is led by Caitlin Clark. Unsurprisingly, the Hawkeyes have been extremely popular, drawing 34.3% of the volume of championship tickets. That means 34.3% of all women’s championship tickets have been placed on Iowa.
The defending champion LSU Tigers, which could match up with the Hawkeyes in the Elite Eight if both teams advance this weekend, have the third-shortest odds at +800.
LSU opened the season as a +350 favorite to repeat as champs but finished the regular season 28-5, including two losses to South Carolina.
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