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Gamecocks Ready for Arkansas Matchup at Colonial Life Arena

The No. 6-ranked South Carolina Gamecocks take on Arkansas to wrap up their three-game homestand tonight. The action tips off at 7 p.m. at Colonial Life Arena, and here’s what to watch for:

Key Gamecock Highlights: South Carolina has been dominant on both ends of the floor, leading the SEC in multiple categories. They rank first in scoring defense (57.75 ppg), field goal percentage (.470), and field goal percentage defense (.344). On offense, they’re second in scoring with an impressive 80.67 points per game.

When it comes to strength of schedule, the Gamecocks top the nation. Their opponents have won 70.4% of their games this season, the highest in the country. In fact, the Gamecocks have faced the toughest slate in college basketball, boasting a total opposition win percentage of 69.5%.

South Carolina has also been dominant in the paint, ranking fourth nationally with 41.2 points per game in that area, outscoring opponents by an average of 14.5 points there.

The Gamecock bench is unmatched, producing a nation-leading 41.6 points per game. That’s a nine-point lead over the next best team. Notably, three of South Carolina’s top five scorers come off the bench. They also contribute 51.9% of the team’s total offense and 41.7% of the rebounds.

Dynamic Duo: Edwards and Fulwiley
The hometown stars, Joyce Edwards and MiLaysia Fulwiley, have been lighting it up lately. One of them has led the team in scoring during each of the last nine games, including six against ranked opponents.

Fulwiley has been filling up the stat sheet in recent games, averaging 13.4 points, 2.0 assists, and 2.8 steals in the last five outings. In SEC play, she ranks eighth in the league with 2.0 steals per game, while also leading the league’s guards with 1.0 blocks per game.

Edwards continues to be a model of efficiency, ranking 16th nationally with a .570 field goal percentage, and leading the SEC with an even higher .621 shooting percentage in conference play.

Raven Johnson has been the floor general, ranking first in the SEC with a 3.64 assist-to-turnover ratio in league games. She also sits 10th in steals (1.83) and 13th in assists (3.33) during SEC play. Johnson’s overall assist-to-turnover ratio of 3.00 is eighth in the nation.

In the paint, Chloe Kitts has been a force, ranking ninth in the SEC with 7.48 rebounds per game, including 2.76 offensive boards, which is 10th in the league.

By the Numbers:

• 8 Gamecocks average at least 20 minutes per SEC game.
• After a loss this season, South Carolina has responded with an average victory margin of 39.0 points in the next game.
• Te-Hina Paopao has been lights out from beyond the arc, shooting 45.5% (10-of-22) over the last four games, including a sizzling 6-of-11 (54.5%) in the two most recent home games.

The Arkansas Series: South Carolina has historically dominated Arkansas, holding a 27-18 all-time record, including a 20-4 mark under Head Coach Dawn Staley since the 2008-09 season. The Gamecocks have won the last nine matchups.

In last season’s meeting in Fayetteville, South Carolina cruised to a 98-61 victory. They turned a close game into a blowout with a defensive clinic, holding Arkansas to just nine points in the second quarter. Five Gamecocks scored in double figures, and South Carolina shot an impressive 60.6% from the field.

Defense First: Coach Dawn Staley’s commitment to defense remains unwavering, and her team has lived up to that expectation this season. The Gamecocks are sixth nationally in field goal percentage defense, allowing just 34.9% shooting from opponents. In SEC play, that number improves to a league-leading 34.4%. Only six teams have shot over 40% against them, while six teams have been held to under 30%.

Unstoppable Bench: Staley’s deep 13-player roster allows her to make substitutions without missing a beat. The Gamecock bench leads the nation with 41.6 points per game, contributing a massive 51.9% of the team’s offense. When facing ranked opponents, that percentage jumps to 57.9%. The bench has outscored the opponent’s bench by an average of 27.0 points per game, including 18.8 points per game against ranked teams.

The Fans: The Gamecocks’ fanbase has been a constant source of support. South Carolina has led the nation in average attendance for 10 consecutive seasons. This year, they’re setting the bar even higher with an average of 16,983 fans per game. Their fans have packed Colonial Life Arena for seven sellout games this season, including matchups against the likes of UConn and LSU.

It’s all set for another thrilling showdown tonight at Colonial Life Arena. Can the Gamecocks continue their dominant streak? Stay tuned for all the action!

Good evening, I’m reporting live with exciting news from South Carolina football as they stand a real chance of breaking their program’s record for NFL Draft selections. The current record, set at seven picks in both 2009 and 2013, is now in serious jeopardy. This year, a remarkable 12 Gamecocks are set to participate in the NFL Combine, just weeks away.

Among those hopefuls, NFL Draft analyst Matt Miller of ESPN has singled out one Gamecock in particular for a potential breakout performance. All-American safety Nick Emmanwori is drawing serious attention. If Emmanwori takes part in the full workout in Indianapolis, Miller believes his physical testing results could propel him into the upper echelons of the draft.

On ESPN’s SportsCenter this Tuesday, Miller shared his bold prediction, saying, “Write this one down. Nick Emmanwori–the safety from South Carolina–to give you an NFL comparison, this is Derwin James 2.0.” Miller went on to detail the impressive attributes of the 6-foot-3, 225-pound safety: “He has run up to 23 miles per hour on GPS tracking, he has a 42-inch vertical jump, a 565-pound squat, and can also do 24 reps of 225 pounds.” Miller emphasized, “All those numbers are things we love to track and monitor at the NFL Scouting Combine.”

Miller continued to express his excitement, saying, “I’m hoping and praying we get to see a full workout from the South Carolina true junior, who I think has a shot to be a Top-20 pick in this year’s first round once it’s all said and done.” He believes Emmanwori could be an ideal fit for teams in need of a dynamic safety to cover tight ends and mobile quarterbacks.

Emmanwori has always been a standout athlete with impressive tackling ability, but this season, he showcased major improvements in his coverage skills and after-the-pick return ability. This well-rounded development has made him a hot prospect. Miller’s endorsement is backed by other prominent analysts, including Mel Kiper from ESPN, CBS Sports analysts, and Daniel Jeremiah from NFL Network, all of whom are projecting Emmanwori as a first-round pick. Even Lance Zierlein from NFL.com labels Emmanwori as a potential “plus-starter” at the NFL level.

The comparison to Derwin James has been a recurring theme this offseason. Emmanwori’s name has also been linked to Kyle Hamilton, a fellow safety who is making waves as an All-Pro with the Ravens. These comparisons are undoubtedly high praise for the South Carolina standout.

The NFL Combine kicks off on February 27th and runs through March 2nd in Indianapolis. This event could play a crucial role in enhancing Emmanwori’s draft stock, which will be closely watched as the 2024 NFL Draft takes place from April 24th to April 26th in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

While Emmanwori’s future looks especially bright, several other Gamecocks have also earned high praise. TJ Sanders, Kyle Kennard, and Demetrius Knight have all received impressive draft grades. Though Emmanwori and Sanders have stronger odds of being first-round selections, all four Gamecocks are highly regarded, with many analysts projecting at least one of them to be drafted in the first round. With strong defensive performances, it’s likely we’ll see these players taken in the early rounds of the draft, potentially in rounds one through three.

Stay tuned for more updates as we approach the NFL Combine and Draft!

South Carolina’s hopes for a win took another hit on Tuesday night as they fell 81-67 to LSU in Baton Rouge. This matchup felt like the one where the Gamecocks could turn things around, especially against an LSU team that’s been struggling. Yet, despite the chance to break their 12-game losing streak, South Carolina’s woes continued, marking their 13th consecutive defeat. Their last win came on December 30, 2024.

Here’s what stood out during the game:

LSU’s Unstoppable Shooting
From the very start, LSU could not seem to miss. In the first half, they shot a blistering 57.1% from the field (16-for-28) and hit 6-of-11 from beyond the arc. This allowed LSU to build a commanding lead that they maintained throughout most of the game. Even though the Tigers shot only 44.1% in the second half, they still nailed seven more three-pointers, bringing their total to 13 for the game. This was particularly surprising considering LSU’s struggles with three-point shooting this season, making it clear that it was simply their night.

Another Struggle for Nick Pringle
It’s been a rough season for Nick Pringle, who had another tough outing. The senior forward finished with only six points and six turnovers, and several of his attempts to drive to the basket in the first half were met by a wall of LSU defenders. Despite his size, Pringle didn’t seem to have the physical advantage over other SEC big men. While he’s had a few strong performances this year, Tuesday was a reminder of his struggles on the court.

Baffling Turnovers
Coach Lamont Paris voiced his frustration after the game, explaining some of the Gamecocks’ mistakes as “inexplicable” and pointing out that these are the kinds of errors you don’t usually see in a regular game. There were three turnovers in particular that stood out:

• Morris Ugusuk had a steal and was in transition when he made a risky pass to Pringle, leading to a turnover.
• Benjamin Bosmans-Verdonk lost possession of the ball without any pressure, leading to a turnover and an empty possession.
• With just eight seconds left in the half, Ugusuk attempted a lob to Collin Murray-Boyles, but the pass went wild and didn’t count, turning into another turnover.

Despite a recent improvement in ball security, the Gamecocks ended the game with 18 turnovers, a critical factor in LSU’s victory.

Jamarii Thomas Shows Promise, But Needs Consistency
Jamarii Thomas had an impressive second half, finishing with 23 points (9-of-16 shooting, 3-of-6 from three). However, as has been the case all season, he struggled to find a rhythm early on, with most of his scoring coming after halftime. If Thomas could find consistency and perform like he did in the second half for an entire game, he could be a key player for South Carolina moving forward.

Is It Bad Luck, or Just Fate?
South Carolina’s season has been marred by a combination of bad luck and mistakes. They’ve lost six SEC games by five points or fewer, but in every close game, there’s been a missed opportunity that kept them from winning. With only five games remaining in the regular season, it’s looking increasingly unlikely that South Carolina will turn things around, though there’s always the possibility of a miracle run in the SEC Tournament.

The bigger question now is whether they can win at least one game to avoid being the third SEC team to finish 0-18. Colonial Life Arena will host three of their remaining five games, which could provide a glimmer of hope. However, with away games at Missouri and Tennessee, the road ahead remains challenging. According to KenPom, South Carolina has just a 14.4% chance of avoiding a winless season in SEC play. To make history for the right reasons, they’ll need to find a way to win at home against teams like Texas, Arkansas, and Georgia. The clock is ticking, and the Gamecocks are running out of chances to turn things around.

This weekend, authors Susan Shackelford and Pamela Grundy gathered at All Good Books for a special author event to celebrate their book, Shattering The Glass: The Remarkable Story of Women’s Basketball. The latest edition of the book includes a chapter dedicated to Dawn Staley and her influential work, alongside the University of South Carolina, in elevating women’s basketball to new heights.

In the two decades since the book’s initial release, the landscape of women’s basketball has transformed, with significant improvements. One of those changes, according to Grundy, is Staley’s Hall of Fame career, which has helped turn the Gamecocks into a powerhouse team in the nation.

“Dawn Staley has built [the program], Columbia has built, the Gamecocks have built that team into the most powerful team in the country,” Grundy remarked. “Into a team that is deeply rooted in the area.”

As a historian, Grundy credits Staley’s emphasis on community and how that approach has shaped the Gamecocks’ success. Shackelford agrees wholeheartedly with this view.

“Her first top recruits were from South Carolina that became the foundation of the house,” Shackelford explained. “Then she just built it up and she continues to pull mainly from South Carolina.”

The book also highlights the standout achievements of Gamecock legends like A’ja Wilson and Aliyah Boston, as well as the rising generation of female athletes both on and off the court.

“There’s been a real opening recently that allows players to be themselves,” Grundy noted. “I think that’s tremendously appealing too because they are who they are.”

Shackelford believes this evolving atmosphere has contributed to South Carolina’s success, emphasizing how this approach has fueled growth in the sport.

“The skill level is very high. The interaction with fans is high, they are interested in growing the game they’re interested in the fans and I think all this is resonating,” Shackelford said. “When you merge that with Staley’s concept of community and building on the shoulders of people who came before her, building on the shoulders of people who live here, it’s just a big giant success.”

The book provides a deep dive into the evolution of women’s basketball, tracing its roots from the first women who stepped on the court, through Title IX, to the present-day. However, it is much more than just about basketball—it is a testament to women’s history and their ongoing fight for equality.

“This is the story of women working to achieve being excited, wanting to play full roles in our society and all the different kinds of obstacles that they had to overcome over a century to be able to do that,” Grundy concluded.

In a live update on the ongoing buzz around South Carolina’s heartbreaking 2024 game against LSU, Pete Nakos of On3 spotlighted the officiating as one of the worst of the season. Specifically, Nakos highlighted the controversial unnecessary roughness call on Kyle Kennard, which wiped out Nick Emmanwori’s 100-yard pick-six—a play that would have likely sealed the victory for the Gamecocks. This call, which Nakos placed at number two on his list of the worst officiating decisions of 2024, was deemed the most egregious of the regular season.

For those who may not recall, South Carolina was up 33-29 with just over six minutes remaining in the game. LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier threw an interception to All-American safety Nick Emmanwori, thanks to pressure from Kyle Kennard and Dylan Stewart. Emmanwori returned the interception for a touchdown, but a flag for Kennard’s “two-handed shove” on Nussmeier nullified the score. Despite the block being harmless, Nussmeier theatrically flopped to the ground, and the penalty call followed.

While South Carolina still retained possession after the interception, the points were erased, and they were pushed back to their own 10-yard line. Unable to capitalize on the field position, LSU then drove down the field and scored the game-winning touchdown with just a minute left.

However, Nakos’ criticism doesn’t stop there. In the first half, LaNorris Sellers threw an interception in the end zone but was hit in the head during the process. The play should have triggered a roughing the passer penalty, but instead, LSU took over possession. On another drive, a South Carolina defensive touchdown was also negated when Kennard was flagged for a horse collar tackle on Nussmeier—a penalty stemming from a new rule implemented in 2024, which applies to the tackle box as well. While the penalty was technically correct, many argue that it was an odd application of the rule.

Late in the fourth quarter, with the game still in reach, backup quarterback Robby Ashford hit Dalevon Campbell for a massive 43-yard gain. The play should’ve given South Carolina fresh downs, a chance to add points, and valuable time off the clock. But another questionable call, a phantom offensive pass interference on Mazeo Bennett, negated the gain and stalled the drive.

Amidst all the oddities in officiating that day, the play involving Kennard and Emmanwori stands out, not just for its significance in the game, but for its far-reaching implications. Had the pick-six stood, it would’ve made a comeback for LSU almost impossible, and the Gamecocks would have likely secured a spot in the 12-team College Football Playoff.

South Carolina ultimately missed out on the playoff by a slim margin. When Clemson beat SMU in the ACC Championship, SMU was selected over South Carolina, Alabama, Ole Miss, and Miami. With a 10-2 record, many believe Shane Beamer’s squad would have made the cut had they defeated LSU.

The lasting impact of that penalty, not just on the game but on South Carolina’s entire season, is why Nakos included it as one of the most memorable and costly officiating errors of 2024. In fact, only a missed targeting call in the CFP quarterfinals against Arizona State ranked higher in Nakos’ list.

South Carolina is hoping to break its 12-game losing streak as it heads to Baton Rouge for a late tip-off against LSU.

The Gamecocks (10-15, 0-12 SEC) will face off with the LSU Tigers (13-12, 2-10 SEC) at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center (PMAC) tonight, with tip-off scheduled for 9 p.m. on SEC Network. Let’s dive into some key things to keep an eye on in this matchup, as well as the latest updates on both teams.

Key to Avoiding Another Blowout: The Big Run South Carolina has struggled throughout this season with one common theme: the inability to recover from large runs by their opponents. This was painfully evident in their most recent loss to Florida, where they only trailed by four points at halftime. But as has happened too often, the second half told a different story. A 27-9 run by the Gators out of the break led to a 20-point deficit for the Gamecocks, and they couldn’t claw back, falling by double digits. This marked the fifth time in SEC play that South Carolina has suffered a blowout loss.

If they want any chance at winning tonight, they must avoid letting LSU dominate the second half. Should the game be close at the break, South Carolina needs to take control early in the second half—scoring efficiently and playing solid defense. Otherwise, it could be another long night for the Gamecocks.

An Unexpected Twist in LSU’s Performance Initially, this game seemed like one of South Carolina’s more winnable matchups. However, LSU comes into this game on the heels of a surprising road victory over Oklahoma. With a 2-10 SEC record, the Tigers now sit two games ahead of the Gamecocks at the bottom of the standings, but the win gives them momentum going into this contest.

South Carolina has struggled on the road this season, posting a 1-7 record away from Colonial Life Arena. Their lone road victory came back in early December at Boston College, and they’ve only had one SEC road game that came down to the wire, a narrow three-point loss to Vanderbilt. Other than that, their road losses have all been by double digits. For the Gamecocks to pull off an upset tonight, they’ll need to defy the odds—winning on the road in the SEC is no easy feat.

CMB Needs to Be More Aggressive South Carolina’s sophomore forward Collin Murray-Boyles has been a solid playmaker for the Gamecocks, but his recent performance against Florida raised some concerns. Murray-Boyles only took eight shots, finishing with 12 points on 3-of-8 shooting. He also grabbed just two rebounds. While his unselfishness is valuable, South Carolina will be better off if he takes more shots—ideally 15 or more. The Gamecocks are relying on him to step up and lead the offense if they’re going to have any shot at breaking their losing streak.

Opponent Scouting Report: LSU For a deeper look at the LSU Tigers, you can check out our full scouting report here. LSU, though struggling in conference play, has proven they can still compete, as seen in their win over Oklahoma. With Daimion Collins, Corey Chest, and Derek Fountain all listed as probable for tonight’s game, the Tigers will be a tough challenge for South Carolina, who has been shorthanded all season.

Injury Report For South Carolina: Myles Stute is OUT due to a blood clot.

For LSU: Trey’Dez Green and Jalen Reed are OUT, while Daimion Collins, Corey Chest, and Derek Fountain are all listed as PROBABLE.

Game Details

• Who: South Carolina (10-15, 0-12 SEC) vs. LSU (13-12, 2-10 SEC)
• When: Tuesday, Feb. 18 at 9 p.m.
• Where: Pete Maravich Assembly Center (13,215 capacity)
• How to Watch/Listen: SEC Network and 107.5 The Game

ESPN gives South Carolina just a 30.5% chance to win, but the Gamecocks will be hoping to defy those odds tonight in Baton Rouge.

Stay tuned for live updates, and let’s see if South Carolina can snap their streak!

Live from the Gamecocks’ weekend rollercoaster, here’s my breakdown of the standout players, burning questions, and my favorite moment.

Three Clutch Players

Joyce Edwards
Against Florida: 19 minutes, 28 points, 5 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal
Against UConn: 28 minutes, 17 points, 5 rebounds, 2 blocks

Edwards had a career-high 28 points against Florida and was pivotal for the Gamecocks against UConn, leading the team in scoring and tying for the lead in rebounds. It’s clear: Joyce Edwards is South Carolina’s top performer as they head into the final stretch of the season.

Te-Hina Paopao
Against Florida: 20 minutes, 14 points, 7 rebounds, 7 assists
Against UConn: 29 minutes, 10 points, 1 rebound, 2 assists

Paopao set the tone early in the Florida game, delivering one of her best performances as a Gamecock. While she struggled with her shot against UConn, her involvement, especially in the first half, kept her engaged on the court.

Champ Staley
As Dawn Staley fondly referred to him, “My emotional support dog.” After the loss to UConn, Staley and Champ walked into the postgame interview together, with associate head dog mom, Lisa Boyer, later taking Champ behind Colonial Life Arena. You have to imagine that some tough conversations were had, and a little support from a pup never hurt.

Two Burning Questions

1. What happened?
Coming off a dominant win against Florida, everything seemed to align perfectly for the Gamecocks heading into the UConn game. The crowd was pumped, and even though UConn initially took the lead, South Carolina was still getting good looks. But then… it all fell apart. Feagin got hit in the face early, and MiLaysia Fulwiley quickly picked up two fouls, throwing off the rotation. But despite these setbacks, it was a complete breakdown for the team, and the reasons behind it remain unclear. We’ll have to see if they can figure it out internally and turn things around.

2. Can they bounce back?
Can the Gamecocks regain their form? Absolutely. But will they? That’s still uncertain. I’m cautiously optimistic. The UConn game was such an outlier that I don’t think it should define the team’s season. But still, it’s concerning to see them falter in such a high-stakes game, especially given their history of performing best in the biggest moments. The question now is whether they can rediscover that competitive edge.

One Favorite Play

There weren’t many bright spots against UConn, but one play that stood out was MiLaysia Fulwiley’s incredible block. With Sarah Strong seemingly on her way to an easy layup, Fulwiley came from the help side and swatted the ball away, denying the 6-2 Strong a chance at scoring. It was an amazing display of defensive timing.

North Carolina tight end DJ Howerton, who boasts an impressive 84-inch wingspan, has recently discussed his interest in the South Carolina Gamecocks football program. Howerton, a standout at his high school, has garnered attention for his exceptional physical attributes and skills on the field.

The South Carolina Gamecocks have extended an offer to Howerton, recognizing his potential to make a significant impact on their roster. His remarkable wingspan and athleticism make him a formidable presence in both blocking and receiving situations.

As a highly sought-after recruit, Howerton’s decision will be closely watched by college football enthusiasts. His commitment to the Gamecocks would add depth and talent to their tight end position, contributing to the team’s offensive strategies.

For more detailed information and updates on DJ Howerton’s recruitment and his discussions with the South Carolina Gamecocks, please refer to the full article on On3.com.

More news…..

Recent Ranking Changes Elevate South Carolina Football Target to 4-Star Status

South Carolina Football Recruiting Target Tamarion Watkins Boosted to 4-Star Status

We’re closely following South Carolina’s pursuit of Tamarion Watkins, one of the top football recruits in the Palmetto State. The Northwestern High School standout is a physical force on the field, standing at an imposing 6’4″ and weighing 201 pounds. His combination of size and athleticism has caught the attention of major programs, including Georgia, who have shown interest in potentially using him as a linebacker. However, USC defensive backs coach Torrian Gray sees him more as a versatile, long safety for the Gamecocks’ secondary. On3, along with other major recruiting outlets, currently ranks him as a safety.

Recent updates to the 2026 rankings have propelled Watkins to a prestigious position. He now holds a fourth-star ranking in the On3 industry composite rankings—a weighted average from On3, 247Sports, ESPN, and Rivals. This jump comes after On3, 247Sports, and Rivals all updated their rankings in recent weeks. Watkins is now placed at No. 312 nationally, No. 7 in South Carolina, and No. 26 among safeties nationwide. Rivals is especially high on Watkins, ranking him as the No. 125 player in the nation and the top recruit in South Carolina.

Notably, GamecockCentral’s Chris Clark recently included Watkins on a list of prospects who could soon earn South Carolina’s On3 RPM picks. Clark reports that despite a competitive offer list, South Carolina has positioned itself well in Watkins’ recruitment.

As of now, the Gamecocks have five commitments in the 2026 class, currently ranked 14th overall. This group includes 4-star safety J’Zavien Currence, 4-star tight end Jamel Howse, 4-star linebacker/EDGE Keenan Britt, 3-star defensive back Peyton Dyer, and 3-star offensive lineman Anthony Baxter. Interestingly, both Currence and Baxter are from Rock Hill, just like Watkins.

Stay tuned for more updates on this rising prospect and South Carolina’s recruiting efforts.