Will Chloe Kitts, Ashlyn Watkins play in women's March Madness?

South Carolina will not be at full strength in its national title quest. As March Madness begins, the Gamecocks will be without forwards Chloe Kitts and Ashlyn Watkins. That means more on the plate of Joyce Edwards and transfer Madina Okot, both of whom have excelled this season.

Kitts, a two-year starter, has not played this season due to a torn ACL she suffered in practice last October. She will not make it back in time for the NCAA Tournament. Watkins, meanwhile, is taking the year off for a reset before returning to the team next season.

The Columbia native tore her ACL last January, two months after being arrested on assault, battery and kidnapping charges that were eventually dismissed. In an Instagram post announcing her decision, Watkins wrote that she was hoping to "master this journey of life. " Dawn Staley's team has played to its championship standard despite the absence of Kitts and Watkins.

The Gamecocks are a No. 1 seed in March Madness and are considered one of the only teams capable of taking down UConn, the undefeated reigning champs. This article originally appeared on For The Win: Will Chloe Kitts, Ashlyn Watkins play in women's March Madness?