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Arkansas basketball vs. South Carolina: Scouting report, prediction for SEC matchup

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Arkansas basketball vs. South Carolina: Scouting report, prediction for SEC matchup


FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Arkansas basketball returns to Bud Walton Arena this weekend seeking an SEC winning streak that could kickstart a late-season turnaround.

The Razorbacks (10-7, 1-3 SEC) will host South Carolina (14-3, 2-2) Saturday at noon. Arkansas is coming off a dramatic win Tuesday night over Texas A&M, with Tramon Mark’s game-winner giving the Hogs their first league victory of the season.

Before that win over the Aggies, Arkansas had lost its first three SEC games by an average margin of 21.3 points. However, Musselman reverted to an early-season starting lineup and shrunk his rotation to provide a spark and knock off Texas A&M.

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South Carolina is coming off a home loss to Georgia in its most recent game. The Gamecocks’ other SEC loss came at the hands of Alabama, but they do have wins over Missouri and Mississippi State. Lamont Paris’ squad went 12-1 in non-conference play.

Here is a look at three things to watch and a score prediction for the Hogs’ fifth game of the SEC season.

Can Arkansas basketball slow down Meechie Johnson?

The primary target for Eric Musselman’s defense will be the opposing team’s point guard for a second straight game.

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Texas A&M’s Wade Taylor IV dropped 41 points on the Hogs Tuesday night, but he did so on 13-for-32 shooting. Musselman was overall pleased with his team’s defensive effort.

More: El Ellis’ revival shows high ceiling and frustrations of Arkansas basketball season

More: Tramon Mark saves Arkansas basketball with game-winner against Texas A&M

Saturday’s challenge will be Johnson, who ranks seventh in the SEC averaging 17.3 points per game. He shoots 36.1% from three and has scored at least 20 points in six games this season.

Outside of a loss to Georgia, Arkansas has fared well this season when it has thwarted the opposing team’s best player throughout 40 minutes. Stopping Johnson will be the focal point.

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Which Hogs’ offense shows up?

Arkansas shot 53.8% overall and 50% from three in the first half of its win over Texas A&M Tuesday. Those numbers tumbled down to 24% and 22% in the second half, with the Hogs scoring 14 more points across the opening 20 minutes.

The second-half struggles were a combination of simply missing shots and poor offense, especially over the final five minutes of action. The Razorbacks got away from their high pick-and-roll attack and missed plenty of open threes.

The Jekyll and Hyde nature of Arkansas’ offense has been prevalent throughout the season. The offense must be at its best against South Carolina, who ranks 21st in the country allowing just 64.6 points per game.

Watch the turnovers

Neither team forces many turnovers. The Arkansas defense ranks 301st in the country (10.6), while South Carolina is 279th (10.9).

However, the Razorbacks have been prone to sloppy play all season, and the Gamecocks have done a terrific job taking care of the basketball. South Carolina commits nearly two fewer turnovers per game than Arkansas.

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The Hogs will need to take care of the basketball and find some way to speed up the Gamecocks when they’re in possession. Extra shots on goal could be a deciding factor for two teams that have gone through offensive lulls at times this season.

Prediction: Arkansas 73, South Carolina 65

The win over Texas A&M was massive for Arkansas. It showed Coach Musselman who he can trust and gave the team some added life with the season hanging in the balance. Tramon Mark has ascended as the unquestionable best player and a pecking order is now set for the Hogs. Nothing will be easy in the SEC this season, but Arkansas will protect Bud Walton Arena and create some momentum heading into a tricky road game at No. 22 Ole Miss.



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How to watch Tennessee Volunteers: Live stream info, TV channel, game time | March 3

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How to watch Tennessee Volunteers: Live stream info, TV channel, game time | March 3


The college basketball slate on Tuesday will include Mike Sharavjamts and the South Carolina Gamecocks (12-17, 3-13 SEC) hosting Nate Ament and the No. 25 Tennessee Volunteers (20-9, 10-6 SEC) at Colonial Life Arena, with the matchup tipping at 6 p.m. ET.

See more details below, including how to watch this game on SEC Network.

Here’s everything you need to prepare for Tuesday’s college hoops action.

South Carolina vs. Tennessee: How to watch on TV or live stream

  • Game day: Tuesday, March 3, 2026
  • Game time: 6 p.m. ET
  • Location: Columbia, South Carolina
  • Arena: Colonial Life Arena
  • TV Channel: SEC Network
  • Live stream: Fubo – Watch NOW (Regional restrictions may apply)

Check out: USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll

Watch college basketball on Fubo!

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Tennessee vs. South Carolina stats and trends

  • Tennessee is averaging 80.1 points per game (87th-ranked in college basketball) this year, while ceding 69.2 points per contest (62nd-ranked).
  • The Volunteers are dominating when it comes to rebounding, as they rank third-best in college basketball in boards (40.1 per game) and second-best in boards allowed (25.8 per contest).
  • Tennessee ranks 32nd in the country with 17.0 assists per game.
  • The Volunteers are committing 11.6 turnovers per game (240th-ranked in college basketball). They are forcing 10.6 turnovers per contest (231st-ranked).
  • Tennessee is making 6.8 threes per game (279th-ranked in college basketball). It has a 34.3% shooting percentage (167th-ranked) from three-point land.
  • With 7.9 threes conceded per game, the Volunteers rank 196th in the country. They are giving up a 30.5% shooting percentage from three-point land, which ranks 29th in college basketball.
  • Tennessee is attempting 41.3 two-pointers per game this year, which account for 67.7% of the shots it has taken (and 76.2% of the team’s baskets). Meanwhile, it is attempting 19.7 three-pointers per contest, which are 32.3% of its shots (and 23.8% of the team’s buckets).

Tennessee vs. South Carolina Odds and Spread

  • Spread Favorite: Volunteers (-8.5)
  • Moneyline: Tennessee (-437), South Carolina (+328)
  • Total: 143.5 points

NCAA Basketball odds courtesy of BetMGM Sportsbook. Odds updated Tuesday at 1:12 a.m. ET. For a full list of sports betting odds, access USA TODAY Sports Betting Scores Odds Hub.

Watch college basketball on Fubo!

Follow the latest college sports coverage at College Sports Wire.



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Bombing of Iran could mean South Carolinians paying more for gas

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Bombing of Iran could mean South Carolinians paying more for gas


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  • U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran have caused a sharp rise in global energy prices.
  • Analysts predict gas prices will rise in the U.S., including in South Carolina.
  • The conflict has disrupted oil flow through the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial global transit route.
  • South Carolina’s average gas price remains lower than the national average, which is approaching $3 per gallon.

An escalating conflict involving U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran in March 2026 has initiated a sharp rise in global energy prices.

Analysts predict a significant uptick in U.S. gasoline prices, including in South Carolina, which often has some of the lowest gas prices in the country.

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As of March 2026, AAA reports the national average for regular gasoline is $2.997 per gallon.

Based on projections released earlier this year in the Short-Term Energy Outlook, 2026 was initially forecast to have lower gas prices than 2025. With an expected 6% decrease, translating into approximately a 20-cent-per-gallon drop.

However, due to the conflict, these projections are now uncertain, and prices may not follow the anticipated trend.

“The national average price of gasoline has climbed for a fourth straight week, driven primarily by seasonal tightening and broader market dynamics,” said Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy.

In the week ahead, De Han stated, gasoline prices are likely to face heightened upward pressure as seasonal trends continue and markets navigate this evolving geopolitical landscape, with the national average poised to reach the $3-per-gallon mark for the first time this year.

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“Looking ahead, markets will now begin reacting to this weekend’s U.S.-Iran attacks, which have elevated geopolitical risk premiums even in the absence of immediate supply disruption,” said De Haan. “Oil prices have firmed as traders assess the potential for further escalation, and while fundamentals such as inventories and refinery activity remain important anchors, the risk of broader instability, particularly involving key transit routes, has injected fresh uncertainty into energy markets.”

Here’s what South Carolinians need to know.

How much is gas in South Carolina?

South Carolina’s average gasoline price remains significantly lower than the national average.

In South Carolina, the average price for regular gasoline currently stands at $2.666 per gallon, according to AAA. Mid-grade gasoline is priced at $3.099, premium gasoline is $3.494, and diesel is priced at $3.505.

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Gas price hikes anticipated as bombing continue in Iran

South Carolina drivers should consider filling up their gas tanks soon to avoid potential price spikes.

Analysts expect crude oil, which ended trading on Friday, Feb. 27, at about $67 a barrel, to open this week at $90 or higher as traders process the news that Iranian forces have restricted traffic through the crucial Strait of Hormuz.

Why are gas prices rising?

Iran is a major oil producer, and the ongoing conflict has disrupted the flow of oil and gas through the Strait of Hormuz, where 20% of the world’s oil passes, according to reports from USA TODAY.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guard has warned vessels to avoid the area, and major shipping companies like Maersk have suspended all crossings. Saudi Arabia, Iraq and the United Arab Emirates send most of their oil exports through there. 

This disruption has and could continue to reduce supply, driving prices up as demand remains steady.

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“Too many global economies depend on that corridor to remain blocked,” De Haan said. “Markets price high transaction costs and additional uncertainty, he says, but he is not expecting full closure.”

If access through the strait is limited for an extended period, prices could rise “materially above $100/barrel,” said analysts at TD Securities in a March 1 note.

On the other hand, if access through the strait is guaranteed and hostilities cease, the added costs to account for the extra risk could evaporate in a matter of weeks, the TD team wrote.

“If it becomes clear this week that the tensions with Iran are short-lived, then oil prices will come back to the 60s,” said Rob Thummel, portfolio manager at $9 billion investment manager Tortoise Capital, in emailed remarks to USA TODAY.

Has South Carolina hit highest record average gas prices?

Despite the current spike in gas prices due to the conflict, South Carolina has not yet surpassed its highest recorded average prices, according to AAA.

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The record for regular unleaded gasoline in the state was $4.609 per gallon on June 12, 2022.

Diesel hit a peak of $5.638 per gallon on June 10, 2022.

March gas price outlook: What drivers need to know about gas prices

As reported by USA TODAY on Feb. 28, the national average for U.S. gas prices is likely to push above $3 a gallon on March 2 for the first time this year.

Over the next couple of weeks, prices will likely hit at least $3.10 to $3.15 a gallon.

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There’s also a normal seasonal increase in gas prices around this time of year, driven by seasonal pipeline maintenance, the transition to more expensive summer-blend fuel, and an increase in driving, according to GasBuddy analysis.

Rob Thummel, portfolio manager at $9 billion investment manager Tortoise Capital, expects gas prices to rise in roughly the same rate as oil prices over the coming weeks.

If crude jumps 10%, gas prices will as well, said Thummel.

Upstate SC Gas landscape

According to GasBuddy, in Greenville, Spartanburg, and Anderson, gas prices have shown similar trends to the national average, with drivers experiencing gradual increases at the pump.

Upstate South Carolina stations are adjusting prices in response to crude oil fluctuations and seasonal factors. Here’s the latest prices as of Mondy, March 2 at noon:

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Greenville gas prices

  • Stop-A-Minit: 1091 S Piedmont Hwy., recently reported $2.47
  • Power Trac: 470 Bessie Road, recently reported $2.47
  • BP: 1631 White Horse Road, recently reported $2.49
  • Payal Express Mart: 1800 Easley Bridge Road, recently reported $2.49

Spartanburg gas prices

  • QuikTrip: 21 Fairview Church Road, recently reported $2.26
  • Walmart Neighborhood Market: 201 Cedar Springs Road, recently reported $2.27
  • Costco Wholesale: 211 W Blackstock Road, recently reported $2.31
  • Sam’s Club, 200 Peachwood Center Drive, recently reported $2.31

Anderson gas prices

  • Spinix: 3221 S Murray Ave., recently reported $2.31.
  • Raceway: 4606 Clemson Blvd., recently reported $2.34.
  • BP: 501 E Greenville St., recently reported $2.39.
  • Sam’s Club: 3812 Liberty Hwy., recently reported $2.44

Travis Jacque Rose is the trending news reporter for the Greenville News, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach him at trose@gannett.com



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Rev. Jesse Jackson returns home to South Carolina to lie in state

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Rev. Jesse Jackson returns home to South Carolina to lie in state


COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — After a long career of fighting for civil rights, the Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr. is visiting his home for one last time to lie in state at the South Carolina capitol on Monday.

The final full honors from the state where he was born is a far cry from his childhood in segregated Greenville, where in 1960 he couldn’t go inside the local library’s much better funded whites-only branch to check out a book he needed.

Jackson led seven Black high school students into that segregated branch, where they sat down and read books and magazines until they were arrested. The branches closed, then quietly reopened for all.

With that action, Jackson launched his career — and crusade — fighting for equality for all. He would catch the attention of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and join the voting rights march King led from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama.

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Jackson died Feb. 17 at age 84 after battling a rare neurological disorder that affected his mobility and ability to speak in his later years.

The South Carolina services are part of two weeks of events. It began with Jackson’s body lying in repose and the public invited last week to his Rainbow PUSH Coalition’s Chicago headquarters.

After South Carolina, Jackson will be returned to Chicago for a large celebration of life gathering at a megachurch and the final homegoing services at the headquarters of Rainbow PUSH. Plans for a service in Washington, D.C., to honor him have been postponed until a later date.

Nationally, Jackson advocated for the poor and underrepresented for voting rights, job opportunities, education and health care. He scored diplomatic victories with world leaders.

Trough his Rainbow PUSH Coalition, he channeled cries for Black pride and self-determination into corporate boardrooms, pressuring executives to make America a more open and equitable society. He stepped forward as the Civil Rights Movement’s torchbearer after King’s assassination, and would run for the Democratic presidential nomination in 1984 and 1988.

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Jackson continued to be active in his home state, pushing in 2003 for Greenville County to honor King by matching the federal holiday in his honor and in 2015 by advocating for removing the Confederate flag from South Carolina Statehouse grounds after nine Black worshipers were killed in a racist shooting at a Charleston church.

Jackson is just the second Black man to lie in state at the South Carolina capitol. State Sen. Clementa Pinckney was honored in 2015 after he was shot and killed in the Charleston church shooting.

___

Associated Press writer Sophia Tareen in Chicago contributed to this report.

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