South Carolina is back in action at Colonial Life Arena on Tuesday night, welcoming Virginia Tech for a key matchup in the ACC/SEC Challenge. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m.
ET, with the game airing on SEC Network. It’s the third straight season these two programs will face off, and if the recent history is any indication, we’re in for another competitive battle.
A Familiar Foe
The Gamecocks and Hokies have developed a bit of a mini-rivalry in recent years, and South Carolina has had the upper hand lately. They’ve won the last two meetings - including a 70-60 win last season at the Fort Myers Tip-Off and another victory in Charlotte the year before. Now, they get to host the Hokies in Columbia, where the home crowd at Colonial Life Arena (capacity: 18,000) will be looking to help push the Gamecocks to a third straight win in the series.
Where Things Stand
South Carolina enters the game at 5-2, riding some momentum after a 74-62 win over Charleston Southern on Friday. Virginia Tech, meanwhile, comes in at 6-2, but they’re looking to bounce back after an 86-68 loss to VCU in the Bahamas.
Both teams are hovering around the middle of the national rankings - South Carolina is No. 100 in the NET and No. 89 in KenPom, while Virginia Tech checks in at No. 82 in the NET and No. 76 in KenPom. That makes this a Quad 3 opportunity for the Gamecocks, but more importantly, it’s a chance to build a resume win against a solid non-conference opponent.
KenPom’s model is calling for a tight one - a 76-74 South Carolina edge - while ESPN’s matchup predictor gives the Gamecocks a 71.4% chance to come out on top.
Gamecocks Finding Their Rhythm
South Carolina’s win over Charleston Southern showcased some of the depth this team is starting to develop. Freshman forward Elijah Strong had a breakout performance, pouring in 22 points on 9-of-16 shooting.
He wasn’t alone, either. Kobe Knox added 15 points, Nordin Kapic chipped in 11, and Mike Sharavjamts turned in a well-rounded effort with eight points, eight boards, and seven assists.
Freshman guard Eli Ellis nearly posted a double-double with nine points and nine rebounds.
That balance has been a theme for South Carolina through the early part of the season. Four players are averaging double figures, led by Meechie Johnson’s 14.4 points per game.
Ellis (11.4), Sharavjamts (11.3), and Strong (10.1) round out the scoring core. It’s a group that’s still finding its identity, but the pieces are there - and on any given night, a different player can step up.
What to Know About the Hokies
Virginia Tech is led by head coach Mike Young, who’s been at the helm since 2019. His team has already picked up wins over Providence, Saint Joseph’s, Charlotte, Bryant, Charleston Southern, and Colorado State. Their two losses - to Saint Mary’s and VCU - came in the Bahamas, where they were without one of their key contributors.
That would be Tobi Lawal, a 6-foot-9 forward who’s been averaging a double-double (12.8 points and 10.3 rebounds) but missed both games in the Bahamas due to a foot injury. His status for Tuesday remains something to watch.
Even without Lawal, the Hokies have plenty of firepower. Amani Hansberry leads the team with 15.4 points and 7.3 rebounds per game, while freshman guard Neoklis Avdalas has been a revelation.
The 6-foot-9 Greek guard is averaging 13.8 points, 4.6 assists, and 3.3 rebounds while shooting 43 percent from the field and 35 percent from deep. He exploded for 33 points in an overtime win over Providence, showing he’s more than capable of taking over a game.
Jaden Schutt and Jailen Bedford are also scoring in double figures at 10.3 points apiece, giving Virginia Tech five players averaging 10+ points per game.
Statistically, the Hokies are a well-rounded group. They shoot 45 percent from the field and 34 percent from three, while holding opponents to 43 percent shooting overall and just 30 percent from beyond the arc. Perhaps most impressively, they take care of the basketball - their 8.9 turnovers per game rank sixth in the country, a testament to their discipline and ball control.
What’s at Stake
For South Carolina, this is about more than just a win. It’s a chance to continue building confidence, especially with a tough SEC schedule looming in the new year. It’s also an opportunity to show they can hang with a team that’s been consistently solid under Mike Young.
If the Gamecocks can continue to get balanced scoring and contributions across the board - and if they can contain Avdalas without letting Hansberry or Lawal (if he plays) go off - they’ll put themselves in a strong position to defend home court.
After Tuesday, South Carolina stays home to host Stetson on Saturday afternoon. But first, they’ll try to extend their win streak over Virginia Tech and pick up a statement win in the ACC/SEC Challenge.