Lamont Paris Reflects on South Carolina’s Gut-Wrenching Loss to No. 19 Ole Miss
Following South Carolina’s heartbreaking 72-68 loss to No. 19 Ole Miss on Wednesday night, head coach Lamont Paris addressed the media, sharing his thoughts on another close but frustrating defeat.
A Familiar Story for the Gamecocks
Paris didn’t hold back in acknowledging the harsh reality his team is facing.
“We find ourselves in a situation that is unfortunately all too familiar,” he admitted. “You play a really good team. You play a pretty good game. And then there’s one or two things that end up being your Achilles’ heel, and you don’t win.”
It’s a tough message to deliver to his players, who continue to battle but fall just short. “It’s frustrating,” Paris said. “But even more than that, I feel empathy for what these guys are going through.”
Despite the mounting losses, Paris remains confident. “I come into practice for the next game feeling energized and believing in this team,” he said. “That hasn’t changed.”
Final-Minute Struggles and Missed Opportunities
As the game neared its conclusion, South Carolina once again found itself in a tight battle.
“We’re still trying to manage those last three or four minutes in a way that puts us in control,” Paris explained.
One of the game’s critical possessions came with 22.2 seconds left, when the Gamecocks had a chance to tie. The play was designed for Collin Murray-Boyles (CMB) in a screening situation.
“If Ole Miss didn’t handle it properly, he had options—either attack the rim or kick it back to Jamarii Thomas for a shot,” Paris detailed. “We wanted a quick score. If it was a two-pointer, fine. If we got a three out of it naturally, great. But CMB lost the ball during his attack. And that was that.”
Another turning point came when Malik Dia delivered a dagger three-pointer after South Carolina’s defense left him open at the top of the key.
“We didn’t play great defense at times,” Paris admitted. “We also fouled Malik Dia on an and-one opportunity, which I hate. You don’t want to give teams extra chances like that.”
Missed Free Throws Prove Costly
The Gamecocks had their chances at the free-throw line, but inconsistency at the stripe once again hurt them.
“We typically get to the free-throw line, especially guys like Pringle and CMB,” Paris noted. “That was the case again, but when games are decided in the margin, missed free throws make a difference.”
South Carolina went 20-of-32 (62.5%) from the line, leaving 12 crucial points on the floor in a four-point loss.
Emotions Boil Over in Heated Moment
The game had its share of physicality and controversy, particularly when Mikeal Brown-Jones put Jamarii Thomas in what Paris described as a headlock.
“I was told it was a common foul,” Paris said. “Then there was a technical on Brown-Jones and another on us for retaliating. It’s a good lesson—cooler heads need to prevail.”
Paris was clear on his stance: “At the end of the day, only one team gets to talk trash—the one that wins. It’s just not worth getting into it and picking up a technical.”
CMB’s Role and Team Mentality
For South Carolina to break through, Paris knows they need CMB to stay aggressive.
“That’s what we need from him,” he emphasized. “Ole Miss was double-teaming from the low side to make things tough, but if he shoots 20 times, I won’t be mad. Everyone knows how unselfish he is. No one will judge him for taking too many shots.”
What’s Next?
After yet another close defeat, South Carolina will try to regroup before heading on the road to face No. 3 Florida on Saturday. Tip-off is set for 8:30 p.m. on SEC Network.
The Gamecocks are still searching for that elusive first SEC win—but if their recent battles are any indication, they won’t stop fighting.
