Category: South Carolina Gamecocks

Reporting live from the Long Family Football Operations Center at the University of South Carolina, where the excitement is palpable during the annual Pro Timing Day. Twenty-five former Gamecock football players showcased their talents in front of 68 NFL general managers, coaches, and scouts, representing all 32 NFL teams and two CFL organizations.

Among the participants were Kamaar Bell, Davis Beville, Dalevon Campbell, Terrell Dawkins, Gilber Edmond, Nick Emmanwori, O’Donnell Fortune, Tonka Hemingway, Alex Herrera, Alex Huntley, DeAndre Jules, Kyle Kennard, Demetrius Knight Jr., Kai Kroeger, Gage Larvadain, Vershon Lee, Bam Martin-Scott, Juju McDowell, Hunter Rogers, Raheim “Rocket” Sanders, T.J. Sanders, Joshua Simon, Torricelli Simpkins III, David Spaulding, and Debo Williams.

The action kicked off bright and early at 8 a.m., starting with physical measurements in the weight room. Players were assessed for height, weight, wingspan, arm and hand sizes. From there, the athletes moved on to a series of physical tests, including the vertical jump and bench press with 225 pounds.

Next up, the players showed off their agility and speed at the indoor practice facility, where they participated in the broad jump, 40-yard dash, short shuttle, and 3-cone drill. The day concluded with individual position drills, where the players had a chance to shine in their respective positions.

Among the standout performances, Gage Larvadain impressed with a remarkable 38 ½-inch vertical jump and a blazing 4.45-second 40-yard dash. Gilber Edmond made his mark in the broad jump with a 10-foot-8-inch leap. Debo Williams displayed impressive strength with 32 reps on the bench press, one more than Kamaar Bell. Meanwhile, Juju McDowell showcased his quickness with a 4.23-second shuttle and a 7.08-second 3-cone drill.

As the players continue to chase their NFL dreams, all eyes are now on the upcoming NFL Draft, set to take place in Green Bay, Wisconsin, from April 24-26.

Stay tuned for more updates as these former Gamecocks look to take their next step toward professional football!

South Carolina basketball commitment Eli Ellis has once again proven his clutch ability. On Friday night, he delivered a buzzer-beater in game four to secure the Overtime Elite (OTE) championship for his team. Despite tight defense at the top of the key, Ellis showed why he is simply inevitable.

Ellis and his YNG Dreamerz team are now the OTE champions. Hayden Assemian, another Gamecock commitment, along with 2026 targets Isaac Ellis and Kohl Rosario, also play for the Dreamerz.

You can watch the thrilling game-winner below:

Ellis finished the game with an impressive stat line: 32 points, 10 rebounds, and 4 assists, shooting over 50% from both the field and beyond the arc. He made crucial shots throughout the game, including his game-winning basket, where he created something out of nothing.

Over the four-game series, which the YNG Dreamerz won 3-1, Ellis averaged more than 35 points per game, hitting over half of his shots, including 3-pointers. His dominant performance earned him the championship series MVP honors. It was the perfect way to end Ellis’ Overtime Elite career, where he leaves as the league’s all-time leading scorer and assist leader, guiding his team to the title. After the victory, he declared that his time with Overtime Elite was officially “completed.”

According to On3’s industry rankings, Ellis is the No. 70 overall player in the country, the No. 21 shooting guard, and the No. 4 recruit in North Carolina. Alongside Ellis and Assemian, EJ Walker (a versatile forward) and Grant Polk (a 3-point sharpshooter) are also part of South Carolina’s 2025 signing class.

This weekend, Dallas, Texas, hosted some of the top football prospects from the classes of 2026, 2027, and 2028 at Overtime’s 7-on-7 league. For those unfamiliar, 7-on-7 is a mostly non-contact football format that focuses on skill positions and quarterbacks. Among the standout performers were a South Carolina football commitment and a major target for the Gamecocks.

According to On3’s Cody Bellaire, 4-star safety commit J’Zavien Currence was one of the top performers on Saturday. Bellaire described Currence as “One of, if not the, most physically impressive prospects on the defensive side of the football.” Standing 6-foot-3 and weighing 205 pounds, Currence’s physical tools at safety are exceptional, but it’s his movement skills that truly set him apart. Bellaire added, “He’s such a smooth mover that he almost glides when covering ground.”

4-star cornerback target Samari Matthews also had a standout weekend. The North Carolina native has had the Gamecocks among his top choices for some time. Matthews, who played for the City Reapers (the same team as Currence), made an impact on Sunday with an interception in the end zone and another pass breakup in the red zone. On Saturday, he impressed with his physicality and athleticism. At 6-foot-1, Matthews not only boasts long arms but also shows off remarkable athleticism.

As of now, both Currence and Matthews rank among the top-75 overall prospects in the On3 industry rankings. Currence is listed as the No. 6 safety in the nation and the No. 1 prospect in South Carolina. Matthews is ranked as the No. 11 corner and the No. 6 player in a loaded North Carolina class.

South Carolina currently holds five commitments in the class of 2026. Along with Currence, the Gamecocks have 4-star tight end Jamel Howse, 4-star cornerback Peyton Dyer, 4-star linebacker/EDGE Keenan Britt, and 4-star offensive lineman Anthony Baxter in the fold.

More news…..

South Carolina Women’s Basketball: Potential Transfer Portal Targets for the Gamecocks

Today we’re diving into a couple of standout names in the world of college basketball, and first up is Rose, a two-time SoCon Player of the Year. Despite playing just six games last season due to injury, she’s already made a huge impact when healthy. Rose dropped 23 points in a game against Duke and followed that up with a solid performance of 20 points and 8 rebounds at South Carolina. She’s already proven she can compete at the highest levels, showcasing her skills at a power conference caliber.

Next, we’ve got Kiyomi McMiller, a 5’8″ freshman guard from Rutgers. Last season, McMiller averaged 18.7 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 3.0 assists, quickly earning a name for herself and nearly snagging the Big Ten Freshman of the Year award. However, despite all the potential, McMiller has yet to enter the transfer portal, but rumors suggest that’s just around the corner.

Here’s where it gets tricky—McMiller has been suspended multiple times this season, with the first suspension reportedly linked to a locker room incident. What’s concerning is how McMiller handled the situation afterward, which raised serious questions about her maturity and self-awareness. For a team like South Carolina, who needs stability and a strong team culture, she might not be the right fit.

Definitely a situation to keep an eye on as McMiller’s next move could shake things up in the coming weeks.

Shane Beamer recently found himself in an entirely new environment—Washington, D.C.—but don’t expect him to be running for office anytime soon.

On March 4, Beamer, the head football coach at South Carolina, testified before the House Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade during a hearing focused on NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) and the future of college sports. While Beamer has faced many high-pressure situations in his career, including big games on the football field, nothing quite compared to speaking before Congress.

“Honestly, it was terrifying,” Beamer admitted. “I can sit in here with you guys, and that can be nerve-wracking at times, but when you’re sitting there on national television — C-SPAN, or the internet, or whatever it was on that day, I don’t know. But you’ve got all these people from the Republican side, Democratic side, and they’re sitting there staring at you, it’s different as well.”

Alongside Beamer, Illinois athletic director Josh Whitman, Duke track athlete Emily Cole, Abilene Christian’s Anthony Egbo, and former Clemson offensive lineman and College Football Players Association VP Justin Falcinelli also shared their perspectives.

Ahead of the hearing, Beamer submitted a testimony highlighting the need for changes in college athletics, which he described as “unsustainable.” He emphasized the importance of protecting the “college student-athlete experience” and advocated for a “national, bipartisan federal law” to create equal opportunities for athletes to benefit from NIL, ensuring all institutions follow the same rules.

While the experience was a departure from his usual routine, Beamer found it to be both exciting and fulfilling. He shared that “the SEC and Congressman Russell Fry, the U.S. representative for South Carolina’s 7th congressional district, reached out to see if I wanted to participate in the discussion,” an opportunity he was honored to accept.

“It was neat to be a part of and a pretty cool experience,” Beamer reflected. “I’m a history buff, so to be able to be up there, and it’s the third time I’ve gone up there and met with people, but it’s the first time I’ve ever been on television testifying.”

Beamer has been a long-time advocate for changes that better support student-athletes, particularly in the realm of NIL. He felt it was crucial to take part in the discussion and represent those who may not have a voice in the debate.

“Somebody thought that my opinion or my viewpoints on things were important to hear. I certainly didn’t take that responsibility lightly and prepared hard to go up there, and hope I did a decent job of representing,” Beamer said. “My biggest fear was walking out of there and creating national headlines with something I said. And I don’t think I did, but it was neat to be a part of.”

As he heads into his fifth season with the Gamecocks, Beamer revealed he’ll be returning to Washington in April, but he’s not planning to testify again. “Thank God,” he joked. “I think Senator (Tommy) Tuberville and some of the other coaches that are up there that are now in DC, they’ve got it handled here for a while. I enjoy politics. I enjoy following it and keeping up with it, but I think I’ll stick to coaching football for the time being, for a long time.”

South Carolina football is holding its Pro Day today, where 25 Gamecocks will showcase their skills in front of NFL scouts and decision-makers. Many of these players have real NFL Draft aspirations, and strong performances today could help turn those aspirations into reality.

For a deeper look into the players and a Pro Day preview, check out GamecockCentral’s Mike Uva for a breakdown.

As the Pro Day unfolds, Tankathon released its latest NFL Draft mock, which features four South Carolina players. These four Gamecocks all participated in the NFL Combine last month and are set to further demonstrate their skills at Pro Day today.

The highest-ranked Gamecock in Tankathon’s mock is All-American defensive back Nick Emmanwori, who is projected to be selected at No. 13 overall by the Miami Dolphins. If this projection holds, Emmanwori would be the first safety off the board in the draft. His stock has surged since his standout performance at the NFL Combine, with many experts following suit in moving him up their rankings.

TJ Sanders, a versatile defensive lineman, is projected to go at No. 59 to the Baltimore Ravens in the second round. Sanders has the ability to play both defensive tackle and as a large defensive end in the Ravens’ 3-4 scheme. He is listed as the eighth defensive tackle in Tankathon’s mock.

The third South Carolina player on the list is EDGE rusher Kyle Kennard, who is projected to be taken at No. 75 by the San Francisco 49ers. If Kennard is drafted by the 49ers, he would join a long line of South Carolina players selected by the franchise, with Kennard being the eighth Gamecock drafted by the team since 2011. His pass-rushing abilities, highlighted by his Nagurski Trophy win, could see his draft stock rise further after a strong showing at Pro Day.

Linebacker Demetrius Knight rounds out the list of Gamecocks in Tankathon’s mock, projected to go at No. 84 to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Knight has seen his draft stock soar in recent months, with his size and speed making him an elite linebacker prospect. Another solid performance today could see Knight continue to climb draft boards.

South Carolina is poised to break its record for most players drafted in a single year. In 2009 and 2013, seven Gamecocks were selected, and this year’s Pro Day performance could help surpass that mark.

In addition to Emmanwori, Sanders, Kennard, and Knight, several other South Carolina players are generating significant NFL Draft buzz. Rocket Sanders, a running back, and O’Donnell Fortune, a cornerback, have appeared in nearly every mock draft. Josh Simon, a tight end, and Tonka Hemingway, a defensive lineman, have also garnered attention as late-round picks. If all eight of these players are drafted, or if a few more Gamecocks sneak into the later rounds, South Carolina could set a new draft record.

With just three days to go before the NCAA Tournament kicks off (excluding the First Four), let’s take a deep dive into the Gamecocks’ illustrious tournament history and break down some of the most significant numbers and milestones.

**Key Numbers**
– National Championships: 3
– Final Fours: 6 (plus an additional 1980 AIAW Final Four)
– Elite Eights: 8
– Sweet Sixteens: 14
– Tournament Appearances: 21
– Tournament Record: 50-17
– #1 Seed: 9 times (including this season)

**Game Highs and Lows**
– **Most Points in a Win**: 100 (vs. Quinnipiac, 2017)
– **Most Points in a Loss**: 77 (Overtime vs. MTSU, 1986; regulation: 73 vs. Tennessee Tech, 1989; vs. Iowa, 2023)
– **Fewest Points in a Win**: 49 (vs. Miami, 2022)
– **Fewest Points in a Loss**: 58 (vs. Texas, 1988; vs. North Carolina, 2014)
– **Largest Margin of Victory**: 52 (vs. Presbyterian, 2024)
– **Smallest Margin of Victory**: 2 (vs. North Carolina, 2015)
– **Largest Margin of Defeat**: 29 (vs. UConn, 2018)
– **Smallest Margin of Defeat**: 1 point (78-77 OT to MTSU, 1986; 66-65 to Notre Dame, 2015; 66-65 to Stanford, 2021)

**Impressive Streaks**
– Four consecutive Final Fours
– Five consecutive #1 seedings (including this season)
– 10 consecutive Sweet 16 appearances
– 13 consecutive NCAA Tournament berths (including this season)

**NCAA Records**
Coach *Dawn Staley*’s three national championships and six Final Four appearances rank her fourth and fifth all-time, respectively. Her four consecutive Final Fours tie for third most, just one shy of second. *Staley* also boasts a 66.7% Final Four winning percentage, which ties her with legendary coach *Pat Summitt* for the third-highest.

With a combined 44 tournament victories between her time at *Temple* and *South Carolina*, *Staley* holds the third-most tournament wins all-time, and her 74.6% tournament winning percentage ranks third as well.

*South Carolina*’s 50 tournament wins currently sit 13th all-time. The Gamecocks also share the record with UConn for most rebounds in a game (69) and set the record for the fewest points allowed in a game, with just 21 points from *Howard* in 2022.

Additionally, South Carolina is one of only three teams to hold an opponent scoreless in a quarter, having done so in the fourth quarter against *Texas* during the 2021 Elite Eight. (For context, *UConn* and *Stanford* did so in the first round of the 2022 tournament.)

**Staley Era Facts**
– Tournament Record: 42-9
– Championship Game Record: 3-0
– Lowest Seed: 5 (2012)
– Nine of 13 tournament appearances have been automatic bids

**Pre-Staley Era Facts**
– Tournament Record: 8-8
– Best Finish: 2002 Elite Eight
– Best Seed: 3 (1982, 1988, 2002)
– Three of the eight appearances were automatic bids

**Fun Facts**
– *South Carolina* has never lost to a team seeded 3rd, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 13th, 14th, 15th, or 16th.
– The Gamecocks have defeated opponents from every seed in the tournament.
– Under *Dawn Staley*, *South Carolina* has reached the Sweet 16 in 11 of its 12 appearances, and has won at least one game in every single tournament appearance. The only time the Gamecocks failed to advance past the first weekend was in 2013, when they were upset by #12 *Kansas* in the second round.
– Prior to *Staley*, *South Carolina* had been eliminated in the first round three times.
– The Gamecocks have been seeded as #1 (9 times), #2 (once), #3 (three times), #4 (twice), #5 (three times), #6 (once), and #7 (twice).
– Over the years, *South Carolina* has faced 54 different opponents in NCAA tournament play, with *North Carolina* (3-1), *Florida State* (3-0), *Oregon State* (3-0), and *Stanford* (1-2) being their most common foes.

As for this year’s tournament, *North Carolina* is back in *South Carolina*’s region. Notably, each time the Gamecocks have beaten *North Carolina*, they have gone on to make the Final Four. In fact, *South Carolina* has secured the national championship twice when advancing past the Tar Heels. Though the Gamecocks won the 2017 title without meeting *North Carolina*, they did knock off *Florida State* and *Stanford* along the way.

And remember, the countdown to March Madness is on—stay tuned as we follow the Gamecocks’ quest for another championship!

 

The South Carolina Gamecocks are favored to win the NCAA women’s basketball tournament.

The NCAA women’s basketball tournament kicks off this week, and the South Carolina Gamecocks enter as a one-seed, set to face Tennessee Tech in the first round. While South Carolina wasn’t awarded the top overall seed (that distinction went to the UCLA Bruins), one network has predicted the Gamecocks to take home the championship.

Charlie Creme of ESPN shared his official bracket prediction, forecasting that South Carolina will emerge as the tournament’s champions.

Creme envisions the Gamecocks winning their first-round matchup 91-47 against Tennessee Tech, defeating Indiana 76-58 in the second round, overcoming Maryland in the third round, beating Duke 81-70 in the Elite Eight, edging out Notre Dame 72-67 in the Final Four, and finally securing a 72-70 victory over UConn in the national championship game.

Regarding his prediction, Creme stated:

“UConn and South Carolina are the two most successful NCAA tournament teams in recent memory, and that will play out again with each reaching the championship game,” Creme wrote. “They met earlier this season, when the Huskies beat the Gamecocks by 29 points on Feb. 16 in Columbia, South Carolina. That result won’t repeat itself. This will be a much more competitive game. And it will be a better game than when these two programs met in the 2022 national championship game. But the result will be the same: South Carolina will celebrate an NCAA title for a second straight year and for the third time in four seasons.”

More news…..

South Carolina Women’s Basketball: Potential Transfer Portal Targets for the Gamecocks

Today we’re diving into a couple of standout names in the world of college basketball, and first up is Rose, a two-time SoCon Player of the Year. Despite playing just six games last season due to injury, she’s already made a huge impact when healthy. Rose dropped 23 points in a game against Duke and followed that up with a solid performance of 20 points and 8 rebounds at South Carolina. She’s already proven she can compete at the highest levels, showcasing her skills at a power conference caliber.

Next, we’ve got Kiyomi McMiller, a 5’8″ freshman guard from Rutgers. Last season, McMiller averaged 18.7 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 3.0 assists, quickly earning a name for herself and nearly snagging the Big Ten Freshman of the Year award. However, despite all the potential, McMiller has yet to enter the transfer portal, but rumors suggest that’s just around the corner.

Here’s where it gets tricky—McMiller has been suspended multiple times this season, with the first suspension reportedly linked to a locker room incident. What’s concerning is how McMiller handled the situation afterward, which raised serious questions about her maturity and self-awareness. For a team like South Carolina, who needs stability and a strong team culture, she might not be the right fit.

Definitely a situation to keep an eye on as McMiller’s next move could shake things up in the coming weeks.

COLUMBIA — South Carolina’s women’s basketball team may be disappointed with being seeded as the No. 2 overall team, but they still claim one of the four coveted No. 1 regional spots.

The Gamecocks will begin their tournament journey on Friday at 4 p.m. (ESPN) at home in the Birmingham 2 Region, where they’ll face off against No. 16 Tennessee Tech (26-5).

At 30-3, South Carolina, the defending national champions, find themselves in unfamiliar territory compared to their undefeated season in 2024. Head coach Dawn Staley and her squad are hoping to recapture that championship magic in 2025. Will they pull it off?

Here’s a look at why South Carolina has the potential to become back-to-back national champions — and what could stand in their way.

Why South Carolina Can Win Their Fourth National Title

One of South Carolina’s biggest strengths is its depth. No team boasts a more productive bench than the Gamecocks, who average 41.5 points per game. This impressive statistic not only leads the nation but is nearly 10 points more than the second-best team, Illinois-Chicago (32.4).

Staley has successfully rotated players in and out, knowing that whoever steps onto the court can contribute both offensively and defensively. With a deep and versatile roster, South Carolina has been able to out-run opponents, leaving teams struggling to keep up.

What’s even more impressive is that Joyce Edwards and MiLaysia Fulwiley, the team’s two leading scorers, come off the bench. This dynamic can prove challenging for opponents, especially when they’re already fatigued from dealing with South Carolina’s starters.

South Carolina’s NCAA Tournament Experience

The Gamecocks’ NCAA tournament experience is another major advantage. South Carolina has made it to the Final Four for the last four years. Unlike teams such as Texas and Southern Cal, who also hold No. 1 seeds but lack extensive tournament experience, South Carolina has three starters who have participated in three Final Fours and won two national titles. This wealth of experience could give the Gamecocks the edge when navigating the mental and physical demands of March Madness.

Additionally, South Carolina has already faced some of the top teams in the Birmingham Regions. The Gamecocks have defeated Texas (No. 1 in Birmingham 4), TCU (No. 2 seed), Duke (No. 2), Alabama (No. 5), and Michigan (No. 6). This familiarity with top competition will be crucial as they move toward a potential Sweet 16 or Elite Eight.

Inconsistent Offense Could Derail Title Hopes

Despite their dominance, South Carolina has struggled with offensive inconsistency, especially in their three losses this season. At times, the Gamecocks have appeared hesitant, not necessarily because of strong opposing defenses but due to their own lack of aggression. This changed during the SEC Tournament, when Chloe Kitts and Sania Feagin began to take charge and demand the ball more.

South Carolina has been plagued by self-inflicted errors — one poor shooting night or a lack of offensive flow could lead to an early exit from the tournament.

South Carolina March Madness Prediction: Dawn Staley Claims Fourth National Title

The Gamecocks have had moments of brilliance, where they look unstoppable, but they’ve also shown signs of vulnerability. Still, they’ve managed to grow stronger with each game, particularly with their defensive prowess.

South Carolina possesses the talent and experience necessary to repeat as champions. Despite some critics who may be feeling “Dawn Staley fatigue,” the head coach could very well secure her fourth national title.

The brackets are officially out, and the three teams joining South Carolina in Columbia are now known. Let’s break down the Gamecocks’ upcoming opponents.

Schedule:

– #8 Utah vs. #9 Indiana – 1:30 ET, Friday, March 21 (ESPN2)
– #1 South Carolina vs. #16 Tennessee Tech – 4:00 ET, Friday, March 21 (ESPN)

#16 Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles (26-5, 18-2) NET: 128

– All-time series: 4-2
– Tournament series: 0-1 (Tennessee Tech won 77-73 in 1989)
– Best tournament finish: Second round (three AIAW Elite Eight appearances)

Coached by former Ole Miss player Kim Rosamond, the Golden Eagles cruised through the Ohio Valley Conference, and have not lost since January 9. However, their schedule was relatively weak, with no games in Quad 1 or 3 and a 0-2 record in Quad 2 matchups. Their other matchups were against Quad 4 teams. Tennessee Tech is known for its balanced scoring attack, with six players averaging at least 9.6 points per game, and Reghan Grimes leading the way with 12.9 points per game.

#8 Utah Utes (22-8, 13-5) NET: 26

– All-time series: 1-0
– Tournament series: Never met
– Best tournament finish: Elite Eight in 2006

Utah faced a major challenge this season after the loss of Alissa Pili to the WNBA. Then, head coach Lynne Roberts left just four games in to take a job with the LA Sparks, handing over the reins to Gavin Peterson. Under his guidance, the Utes have managed to stay competitive, including a shocking upset of Notre Dame in November. Gianna Kneepkens has been a standout for Utah, averaging 19.2 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 3.1 assists, while shooting 45% from three-point range.

#9 Indiana Hoosiers (19-12, 10-8) NET: 35

– All-time series: 4-2
– Tournament series: 1-0 (South Carolina won 79-75 in 2024)
– Best tournament finish: Elite Eight in 2021

The Hoosiers, dealing with the loss of Mackenzie Holmes to the WNBA’s Seattle Storm, have relied heavily on Yarden Garzon (14.5 points per game) and Sydney Parrish (11.9 points per game). Parrish notably gave South Carolina trouble last season, scoring 21 points to fuel a comeback attempt. Despite a rough start to the season with losses to Harvard and Butler, Indiana has improved significantly, including a notable win over 8 Ohio State and a couple of near upsets against Southern Cal.

Other teams to keep an eye on:

If things go according to plan, South Carolina could face either #4 Maryland or #5 Alabama in a potential Sweet 16 matchup. The Gamecocks already defeated Alabama 76-58 earlier this season in Tuscaloosa, and Dawn Staley has an undefeated record against the Crimson Tide. Meanwhile, Maryland started the season strong with a 14-0 record, but injuries hit them hard in January, and they finished the season 9-7.

Stay tuned for more updates and analysis as we head into the tournament.

In a heartbreaking turn of events on Saturday, South Carolina State’s hopes of securing the MEAC’s automatic NCAA tournament bid were dashed in the final moments of their game against Norfolk State. With just eight seconds left in regulation, Caleb McCarty committed a costly reach-in foul on Norfolk State’s Christian Ings after McCarty had just tied the game at 65-65 with a layup. McCarty had capitalized on a steal attempt by Jayden Johnson, but in a critical lapse, he fouled Ings as he advanced the ball up the court, likely unaware that the score was tied.

Instead of sending Norfolk State to the foul line to stop the clock and potentially regain possession, McCarty’s foul gave Ings two free throws. Ings made one of two, putting Norfolk State ahead 66-65. The Bulldogs still had a chance, as Drayton Jones grabbed the rebound from Ings’ missed free throw, setting up Johnson for a potential game-winner. Unfortunately, Johnson’s shot fell short at the buzzer, handing Norfolk State the 66-65 victory and the MEAC’s automatic NCAA bid.

Christian Ings led Norfolk State with 17 points, seven rebounds, and four assists, while Brian Moore Jr. added 16 points and seven rebounds, along with two steals. The Spartans, who finished the season 24-10 and 11-3 in the MEAC, now await their first NCAA tournament appearance since 2022.

For South Carolina State, who held a 34-25 lead at halftime, Wilson Dubinsky had a standout performance, scoring a game-high 24 points, including a perfect 5-for-5 from three-point range. Omar Croskey was the only other Bulldog in double digits, contributing 10 points. Despite their strong performance, South Carolina State finishes the season with a 20-13 record, also 11-3 in the MEAC, and will have to wait another year to break their 22-year NCAA tournament drought.