In a season-defining moment, the South Carolina Gamecocks snapped a seven-game losing streak with a 97-89 victory over Mississippi State. This win not only revitalized their hopes but also set the stage for a potential late-season surge as they eye the SEC Tournament. With a record of 12-15 and 3-11 in the SEC, the Gamecocks are looking for momentum, and this victory could be the spark they need.
Coach Lamont Paris and his squad knew the stakes. While the win doesn't call for a grand celebration just yet, it does instill a sense of belief that they can tackle the remaining regular-season games. Their upcoming matchup against Kentucky looms large, but none of the final four games seem out of reach.
Elijah Strong, who contributed 16 points, emphasized the team's potential, saying, “If shots are falling like that, we know we’re a hard team to beat. We know we’re a talented team.”
The Gamecocks' defense played a pivotal role, particularly in shutting down Josh Hubbard, the SEC's leading scorer. By double-teaming and effectively navigating ball screens, they held Hubbard to just 13 points on 4 of 20 shooting, far below his average of 22.4. They also caught a break when Mississippi State's Jayden Epps, who had a strong first half, was sidelined by an injury.
Despite some questionable fouls, South Carolina stood firm. Meechie Johnson, who fouled out during a crucial moment, still managed to lead the team with 21 points alongside Mike Sharavjamts. Jordan Butler, stepping up in a rare appearance, hit a key 3-pointer and contributed significantly on defense, finishing with six points, three rebounds, and a block.
Coach Paris praised Butler's energy, saying, “He really catapulted us to another level of energy.”
This win matches the Gamecocks' total victories from last season and marks an improvement in their SEC performance. With the season's most critical stretch ahead, Paris highlighted its importance, “The rest of the season is the shortest part, but it’s the most important part for us. We’ll approach it like that, continuing to build on some of the things we’ve done well.”
Next up, the Gamecocks face Kentucky on Feb. 24, and they’ll be looking to carry this newfound momentum forward.