GREENVILLE, S.C. (Interstat) — The top-seeded South Carolina Gamecocks, riding a 10-game winning streak, will face a familiar and formidable challenge Friday when they meet the Kentucky Wildcats in the Southeastern Conference women’s basketball tournament semifinals at the Bi-Lo Center.

The Gamecocks (29-2), the tournament’s overwhelming favorite, carry the momentum of a 60-56 victory at Kentucky just five days ago. South Carolina’s defense, which has held opponents under 60 points in eight of its last 10 games, will be tested again by Kentucky star Clara Strack.

Strack, a dominant force for the Wildcats (23-9), scored 24 points in Sunday’s narrow loss to the Gamecocks and is coming off a 33-point, 8-rebound performance in Thursday’s 76-61 win over Georgia. Over her last eight games, the forward is averaging 20.6 points and 3.4 blocks.

South Carolina counters with its own standout post player in Madina Okot, who had a game-high 21 points and two blocks in the teams’ recent meeting. Okot has been efficient and powerful, averaging 17.0 points and 7.2 rebounds over her last six contests.

The Gamecocks’ path to the semifinals included a 112-71 rout of Missouri last week, showcasing one of the nation’s most potent offenses. Their only losses this season came against then-Texas on Jan. 8 and in overtime at Oklahoma on Jan. 22.

Kentucky, which has won seven of its last nine, seeks to avenge Sunday’s defeat and pull a massive upset. The Wildcats’ recent success has been fueled by Strack and forward Teonni Key, who recorded a double-double against Georgia.

According to Interstat’s ELO system, South Carolina is projected with a 94.70% probability to win. The winner will advance to Saturday’s SEC tournament championship game.

Tipoff is scheduled for approximately 5 p.m. EDT Friday. The game will be broadcast on the SEC Network.