South Carolina Shows Growth in Dominant Win Over Presbyterian, But Post Defense Still a Concern
In this week’s 3-2-1 Breakdown, we take a closer look at South Carolina basketball’s convincing 81–61 victory over Presbyterian — highlighting three positives, two negatives, and one key question moving forward.
Three Positives
1. Game Never in Doubt
After needing overtime to escape against Southern Miss, the Gamecocks were far more composed against Presbyterian. From the opening tip, South Carolina took control and never looked back, outscoring the Blue Hose in both halves for a stress-free win.
Contributions came from across the roster — veterans, newcomers, and bench players alike. Nine different Gamecocks found the scoreboard in the 20-point victory.
When the Gamecocks hit the 80-point mark, it’s almost a guaranteed win — head coach Lamont Paris is now 15-0 at South Carolina when his team scores at least 80.
2. Finding More Ways to Score
Earlier this season, South Carolina’s offense lived and died by the three-pointer or free-throw line. In their first two games, over 70% of their points came from those two areas. Against Presbyterian, the Gamecocks showed more balance.
They still knocked down eight triples and made 25 free throws, but they also scored 28 points in the paint, attacking the rim instead of settling for jumpers.
Paris had challenged his players to use more ball fakes after the Southern Miss game — and they responded, creating better drives and mid-range looks that opened up the floor.
3. Bench Making Noise
The Gamecock bench provided a major spark.
Freshman Grant Polk went a perfect 4-for-4 from deep to finish with 12 points, while Eli Ellis dished out a team-high five assists. Jordan Butler also impressed, recording a career-high 11 points and seven rebounds before fouling out.
Together, Butler, Ellis, and Elijah Strong combined to hit 10-of-11 free throws, as the bench outscored Presbyterian’s reserves 36–19.
Paris also gave Hayden Assemian his first career start, and both he and Mike Sharavjamts contributed solid minutes.
Two Negatives
1. Post Defense Still Struggling
While South Carolina’s offense was clicking, the defense around the rim continues to be a red flag.
Presbyterian big men Jonah Pierce and Jaylen Peterson dominated inside, combining for 20 rebounds — nine of them offensive. The Blue Hose scored 44 points in the paint, with 17 of those coming on layups or dunks.
Despite some flashes from Assemian and Butler, Carolina’s post defenders were often caught out of position, leading to easy buckets and second-chance points. The Gamecocks and Presbyterian finished tied with 37 rebounds apiece.
If South Carolina hopes to compete in SEC play, they must toughen up inside.
2. Depth Becoming an Issue
Roster limitations are becoming more noticeable.
The Gamecocks are already redshirting Cam Scott, Abu Yarmah, and EJ Walker, while walk-on Eli Sparkman rarely sees the floor.
Against Presbyterian, Christ Essandoko sat out with a thumb injury, and Nordin Kapic — who started the first two games — was limited to just four minutes due to a thigh issue.
That leaves South Carolina thin in key areas, meaning they can’t afford any more injuries.
One Lingering Question
What Will the Rotation Look Like?
Through three games, Lamont Paris has already used three different starting lineups.
Meechie Johnson, Mike Sharavjamts, and Myles Stute have been consistent starters, but roles continue to shift between Kobe Knox, Jordan Butler, Nordin Kapic, and Hayden Assemian.
As the Gamecocks move closer to SEC play, Paris will need to settle on a reliable rotation that balances experience, size, and scoring versatility.
What’s Next
South Carolina returns to Colonial Life Arena on Tuesday, November 18, to face Radford. Tip-off is at 7 p.m., with streaming available on SEC Network+.
The Gamecocks will look to build on their early momentum, fix their post defense, and continue developing a consistent lineup as the season rolls on.
