COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina Gamecocks got a spirited sendoff from fans as they boarded the bus for their Sweet 16 matchup against UCLA Saturday in the NCAA Tournament.
The team briefly met with a group of supporters as they left the Colonial Life Arena in Columbia for Greenville, the site of the next two rounds.
And Greenville has been good for the Gamecocks.
Not only is it less than two hours of driving time from Columbia but the last time Carolina played at the Bon Secours Wellness Arena, the Gamecocks won the SEC Tournament.
Three weeks after that win over Tennessee, South Carolina will be back on the court for the NCAA Sweet 16. The Gamecocks will face UCLA Saturday at 2:00 p.m.
This is the ninth time in the last 10 postseasons that South Carolina has advanced to the Sweet 16. The Gamecocks are 34-0 this season and dating back to last season, they have won 40 consecutive contests.
Head coach Dawn Staley says there is a certain level of comfort of staying within the Palmetto State borders but regardless of where their next game is played, the coach has a very high level of confidence in her team which has shown no signs of slowing down.
"This team is ready to rock and roll,' Staley said.
"I just hope we're able to play our best basketball yet."
South Carolina plays UCLA at 2 p.m. Saturday. If they win they'll next play on Monday.