South Carolina Handles Business vs. S.C. State, But Leaves Room for Growth Ahead of SEC Play
COLUMBIA - On paper, South Carolina’s 95-70 win over S.C. State looks like a convincing pre-holiday tune-up.
Nearly 60% shooting from the field, 37 trips to the free-throw line, and a double-digit lead that was never seriously threatened. But if you watched the game, you probably walked away with a different feeling - like the Gamecocks were going through the motions, just trying to get to the break.
And that’s not entirely surprising.
“We did a lot of good things,” said head coach Lamont Paris postgame. “But games around the holidays can be unpredictable. Anything that disrupts their normal routine can affect how they play.”
That disruption was evident. The Colonial Life Arena crowd was sparse and subdued, and the opponent - a 1-12 S.C.
State squad - didn’t exactly demand urgency. Add in the looming holiday break, and it’s easy to see why the energy felt off.
Still, South Carolina did what it needed to do, improving to 8-4 with one final non-conference game remaining before SEC play kicks off.
The Good: Offensive Efficiency and Key Contributions
Despite the flat atmosphere, the Gamecocks found ways to put points on the board. They got to the line early and often - 17 times in the first half alone - and turned those opportunities into steady offense.
Myles Stute gave the team a jolt in the first half, knocking down a season-high three 3-pointers. That kind of shooting from the wing is exactly what South Carolina needs to stretch defenses and open up driving lanes for their guards.
Speaking of guards, Mike Sharavjamts and Kobe Knox continue to show flashes of high-level shot creation. When the ball is in their hands, good things tend to happen. Their ability to get into the paint, finish through contact, or find the open man is a major asset for this team.
The highlight of the night came just before halftime, when Grant Polk buried back-to-back threes during a 10-0 run that effectively put the game out of reach. That spurt showcased what this team can do when it’s locked in - quick ball movement, open looks, and confident shooting.
The Not-So-Good: Defensive Lapses and Turnovers
But for all the offensive positives, the defensive side of the ball raised some red flags. South Carolina gave up far too many open looks to a team that’s struggled to score all season. Rotations were late, closeouts were soft, and the overall effort on that end didn’t match the intensity they’ll need once SEC opponents come calling.
Then there’s the turnover issue. Fifteen giveaways against a team with just one win on the season?
That’s the kind of stat that can haunt you in closer games. Some of it was mental fatigue, sure, but some of it was just sloppy execution - errant passes, miscommunications, and forced drives into traffic.
The Bigger Picture
This wasn’t a game that was going to define South Carolina’s season, and it didn’t need to be. But it was another reminder of where this team stands heading into the heart of the schedule.
The Gamecocks can score in bunches, especially when the threes are falling. But when the perimeter shots aren’t dropping, they still struggle to find consistent offense.
And defensively, there’s work to be done - particularly in terms of effort and attention to detail.
Coach Paris knows that. He’s been clear all year: the goal is to keep building, keep improving, and be ready when it counts.
There’s one more non-conference game on the docket before SEC play begins. That’s one more chance to tighten things up, to clean up the turnovers, and to recommit on the defensive end. Because once league play starts, the margin for error gets a whole lot smaller.
For now, the Gamecocks will take the win, enjoy the holiday break, and get back to work with a clear understanding of where they stand - and where they need to go.