Hoops Watch: South Carolina Hosts Clemson In Columbia

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The University of South Carolina men’s basketball team is looking to secure a five-game win streak as it hosts the No. 25 Clemson Tigers tonight in Columbia, S.C.

One of the longest running rivalries in college basketball, the annual matchup between the Gamecocks (7-3) and the Tigers (9-2) marks the 174th all-time meeting between these two programs – with South Carolina enjoying a 92-81 series edge.

In the last game held in Columbia, the Gamecocks defeated the Tigers 60-58 during head coach Lamont Paris‘ first season – with a game-winning shot by Chico Carter Jr. in the last second of regulation sealing the deal. Last year, Clemson prevailed 72-67 on its home court in a battle of unbeatens.

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Paris – who was named the 2024 SEC Coach of the Year – has led the Gamecocks to seven victories this season, dropping three games against North Florida, No. 16 Indiana and No. 22 Xavier.

Meanwhile, Clemson head coach Brad Brownell has led the Tigers to nine wins against only two losses – one of which was to Memphis this past weekend.

Heading into tonight’s game, All-SEC selection Collin Murray-Boyles is the one to watch for the Gamecocks as he leads the SEC and ranks among the nation’s leaders in field-goal percentage (70.6%). The 6-foot-7, 245-pound sophomore from Columbia, S.C. has recorded double-doubles in three consecutive games dating back to a 16-point, 14-rebound performance in a 73-51 Gamecock win over Boston College earlier this month.

Additionally, graduate transfer Nick Pringle is entering the game coming off a career-high 19 points in South Carolina’s most recent victory versus USC Upstate.

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The Tigers’ are paced by senior guard Chase Hunter, who is averaging 16 points per game. The Tigers are also getting solid contribution from fellow senior Ian Schieffelin, who is averaging 13 points per game and leading the team with 12 rebounds and 3.5 assists per contest.

Despite losing in the first round of the NCAA tournament to Oregon last season, the Gamecocks finished their 2023-24 season with an overall record of 26-8. Clemson finished 24-12 overall after losing to No. 4 Alabama 82-89 in the national quarterfinals.

Clemson is predicted to win tonight’s game by three points on the spread money line of -142 and the total set at 135 points. Tip off is set for 7:00 p.m. EST, at Colonial Life Arena in Columbia, S.C. and will be televised on SEC Network with the broadcast on Gamecock Radio Network.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR …

Erin Parrott is a Greenville, S.C. native who graduated from J. L. Mann High School in 2021. She is currently a senior at the University of South Carolina majoring in broadcast journalism. Got feedback or a tip for Erin? Email her here.

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