South Carolina Set to Host Texas in Historic Matchup
COLUMBIA, S.C. – The South Carolina Gamecocks (10-16, 0-13 SEC) are gearing up for a highly anticipated home showdown against the Texas Longhorns (16-10, 5-8 SEC) on Saturday night at Colonial Life Arena. This marks only the third meeting between the two programs and the first in over four decades, dating back to January 23, 1982.
Game coverage will be provided by Roy Philpott (play-by-play) and former Gamecock assistant coach Perry Clark (analyst) on the SEC Network. Tipoff is set for 8:30 p.m. (ET), with arena doors opening an hour before game time.
A Look at the History
South Carolina and Texas have only met twice before, with each team securing a win on their home court. The most recent clash in 1982 saw the Longhorns emerge victorious 88-71 in Austin. However, in the only previous meeting in Columbia on December 23, 1980, the Gamecocks edged out a 74-70 win, led by Jimmy Foster (24 points, 12 rebounds) and Zam Fredrick (22 points). That same season, Fredrick led the nation in scoring (28.9 ppg) and earned AP Honorable Mention All-America honors.
South Carolina’s Road to Redemption
The Gamecocks have faced a grueling schedule, matching a program record (1999-2000 season) by competing against 12 AP Top-25 teams. Saturday’s game is only their second consecutive matchup against an unranked opponent this season, making it a prime opportunity to turn the tide.
Jamarii Thomas, a senior transfer guard, is coming off a standout performance, dropping a season-high 23 points in Tuesday’s game against LSU. He shot an efficient 9-of-16 from the field, tying his career-high in made field goals.
Meanwhile, Collin Murray-Boyles, a sophomore forward from Columbia, delivered his seventh double-double of the season, recording 16 points and 10 rebounds against LSU. He currently ranks third in the SEC in double-doubles, tied with Alabama’s Grant Nelson. Additionally, Murray-Boyles is one of only two Power Five players averaging at least 15.0 points, 8.0 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.0 blocks, and 1.0 steals per game while shooting over 50% from the field. He leads the SEC in field goal percentage (57.3%), ranking 31st nationally.
Scouting Texas
The Longhorns come into the matchup following a bye week and a thrilling 82-78 home victory over No. 15/18 Kentucky. Freshman standout Tre Johnson, the SEC’s leading scorer (19.8 ppg, 19th nationally), spearheads the Texas offense. He’s supported by Arthur Kaluma (12.9 ppg) and Jordan Pope (11.3 ppg).
Texas has been inconsistent on the road, posting a 3-4 record in away games with wins at NC State, Oklahoma, and LSU. The Gamecocks will look to capitalize on their home-court advantage in this rare and historic battle.
Fan Advisory – Parking Updates
Due to a water pipe issue, portions of Greene Street and Lincoln Street will be closed, impacting game-day traffic near Colonial Life Arena. Fans are advised to plan alternate routes to their parking destinations.
Game Details
- Time: 8:30 p.m. (ET)
- Venue: Colonial Life Arena
- TV: SEC Network
- Play-by-Play: Roy Philpott
- Analyst: Perry Clark
- Radio: Gamecock Radio Network (107.5 The Game)
- SiriusXM: 391 | SXM APP: 981
- Live Stats: StatBroadcast
Series History
- All-time: Tied 1-1
- In Columbia: Gamecocks lead 1-0
- Trend: Each team has won on its home floor
- Last Meeting: Texas won 88-71 (Jan. 23, 1982, Austin, Texas)
What’s Next?
After Saturday’s matchup, South Carolina will hit the road to face their 13th ranked opponent of the season in No. 15/16 Missouri (20-6, 9-4 SEC) on Tuesday night. The game will be broadcast on ESPNU, with Kevin Fitzgerald (play-by-play) and Jon Sundvold (analyst) on the call.
Stay tuned for updates and in-depth coverage as the Gamecocks look to make history against Texas!
