Rivalry games always carry weight. If they go the wrong way, they can spoil the tone of a season. Even if both teams aren’t having good seasons (or if one is), there’s a finality in knocking off an in-state rival.

The South Carolina Gamecocks face their biggest test of the season against No. 15 Iowa State in a compelling non-conference showdown. Dawn Staley's powerhouse program travels to Hilton Coliseum for a marquee matchup against an Iowa State team that has emerged as one of women's basketball's most exciting teams this season.