Gamecocks Seek Redemption: South Carolina Heads to No. 3 Florida
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Another close loss. Another heartbreak. The South Carolina Gamecocks (10-14, 0-11 SEC) have been painfully close in multiple SEC contests this season, yet they remain winless in conference play. Now, they’re set for another massive challenge—an 8:30 p.m. showdown against No. 3 Florida (21-3, 8-3 SEC) at the O’Connell Center, live on the SEC Network.
Fighting for Pride and Payback
It’s been a brutal stretch for Lamont Paris and his squad, with seven losses this season coming by a mere one or two possessions. But the Gamecocks aren’t rolling over. Despite a winless SEC record, they’ve fought hard in almost every game. “These guys haven’t quit,” said Paris. “They’re still locked in, and we believe a breakthrough is coming.”
And what better time for that breakthrough than Saturday? South Carolina has revenge on its mind after letting a one-point loss slip away against Florida in January. That game ended in gut-wrenching fashion—Will Richard’s late layup snatched victory from Carolina, and a rushed 30-foot desperation shot sealed their fate. Turnovers and late-game execution were their downfall, but now they have a shot at redemption.
Road Woes vs. Recent Success in Gainesville
Winning on the road has been a different beast for the Gamecocks this season. A 1-6 record away from Colonial Life Arena tells the story, with losses by margins of 16, 35, 3, 20, 11, and 23 points. South Carolina’s highest road point total? 73 against Boston College. Meanwhile, Florida has eclipsed 73 points in every home game this year.
However, history offers a silver lining—South Carolina has won three of its last four games at the O’Dome. If they can summon that energy again, they might just defy the odds.
Florida’s Lineup in Flux
The Gators are dealing with their own challenges, particularly in the frontcourt. On Friday, head coach Todd Golden announced that 7’1” Micah Handlogten is set to return after missing nearly a year with a leg injury. But two key pieces—Alex Condon and Sam Alexis—are out. That leaves Florida thinner inside, which could be an opening for Collin Murray-Boyles, who has dominated this matchup before. In two career games against Florida, Murray-Boyles has missed just five total shots, recorded a double-double, and dished out a career-high eight assists.
Star guard Alijah Martin is also dealing with a hip injury and is officially listed as probable, though Golden labeled him as “questionable” in his latest update.
Scouting Florida
The Gators have been one of the most balanced and explosive teams in the country. Even with some lineup uncertainty, they boast depth and experience. Thomas Haugh has been an elite bench presence and could step into a bigger role, while Handlogten brings a wealth of experience to the paint.
Game Information & Injury Report
- Who: South Carolina (10-14, 0-11 SEC) at No. 3 Florida (21-3, 8-3 SEC)
- When: Saturday, Feb. 15 at 8:30 p.m. ET
- Where: O’Connell Center (10,133)
- How to Watch/Listen: SEC Network / 107.5 The Game
- ESPN Win Probability: South Carolina 8.2%
Injury Report:
- South Carolina: Myles Stute – OUT (blood clot)
- Florida: Alex Condon – OUT, Sam Alexis – OUT, Alijah Martin – PROBABLE
Can South Carolina finally get the monkey off its back and pick up its first SEC win? Or will Florida continue its dominance at home? Stay tuned for full coverage and post-game reactions!
