This story is free to read.

Top-seeded Gamecocks already No. 1 _ in attendance

FILE - In this Jan. 26, 2015, file photo, players and fans cheer during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game between South Carolina and Texas A&M in Columbia, S.C. South Carolina is No. 1 when it comes to fan support at home. While women’s college basketball is plagued by empty arenas, interest in Dawn Staley and the Gamecocks has increased exponentially, they averaged 12,540 fans in 14 home games this season. (AP Photo/The State, Tracy Glantz, File) ALL LOCAL MEDIA OUT FILE - In this Jan. 26, 2015, file photo, players and fans cheer during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game between South Carolina and Texas A&M in Columbia, S.C. South Carolina is No. 1 when it comes to fan support at home. While women’s college basketball is plagued by empty arenas, interest in Dawn Staley and the Gamecocks has increased exponentially, they averaged 12,540 fans in 14 home games this season. (AP Photo/The State, Tracy Glantz, File) ALL LOCAL MEDIA OUT

By Associated Press March 19, 2015 1 min read

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) – The South Carolina women’s basketball program has ended Tennessee’s stranglehold on the sport and reigns supreme over Connecticut.

No, the Gamecocks can’t touch the 17 national titles the Huskies and Lady Vols own between thing, but South Carolina is No. 1 when it comes to fan support at home.

While women’s college basketball is plagued by empty arenas, interest in Dawn Staley and the Gamecocks has increased exponentially – they averaged 12,540 fans in 14 home games this season.

Staley said the two go hand in hand and are a big reason for the Gamecocks turnaround. South Carolina (30-2) is the top seed of the NCAA Tournament’s Greensboro Region. It will take on Savannah State (21-10) on Friday.

The Gamecocks could take on Syracuse or Nebraska on Sunday.