South-Carolina
Bombing of Iran could mean South Carolinians paying more for gas
Visuals of strike on Iran released
The United States released images it said showed US warships and planes launching strikes against Iran.
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.
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.
“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.
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.
“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.
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.
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:
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
South-Carolina
South Carolina vs TCU predictions for Elite Eight game in March Madness
SACRAMENTO, CA — No. 3 TCU took down No. 10 Virginia in the Sweet 16, preventing South Carolina women’s basketball coach Dawn Staley from coaching against her college team in the Elite Eight of the Women’s NCAA Tournament.
The No. 1 seeded Gamecocks (34-3) will play the No. 3 seeded Horned Frogs (32-5) on March 30 (9 p.m. ET, ESPN) in Golden 1 Center.
South Carolina beat No. 4 seed Oklahoma 94-68 in the Sweet 16 before TCU beat Virginia 79-69.
The only time these two teams met was in 2024 when South Carolina won 85-52.
Dawn Staley has only coached against TCU once
This will be somewhat of an unfamiliar matchup for Staley, who has only coached one game against TCU, and the 2024-25 roster was much different than what she’ll see on March 30.
Last year’s TCU team was powered by players like Hailey Van Lith and Sedona Prince. Now it’s Olivia Miles who is running the show.
Only one starter from last year’s team returned, and TCU added six transfer players.
Coach Mark Campbell is in his third season but has been to two of the last three NCAA Tournaments. Last year the Horned Frogs lost to Texas in the Elite Eight.
Olivia Miles is TCU’s star point guard
Olivia Miles transferred to TCU from Notre Dame in a shocking offseason move after Miles was projected as a top-5 WNBA draft pick.
The senior guard is averaging 19.4 points, 7.2 rebounds and 6.6 assists, coming off 28 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists in the Sweet 16.
She’s fifth in the nation in assists, 42nd in double-doubles with 12 total, and leads the nation in triple doubles with six.
Miles wasn’t healthy and didn’t play for Notre Dame against South Carolina in the 2023-24 season opener, so this is Staley’s first time scouting against one of the nation’s top ball handlers.
Marta Suarez, Clara Silva vs Joyce Edwards, Madina Okot
After fighting through Oklahoma’s post defense, South Carolina’s post players have a new challenge in TCU’s Marta Suarez. The 6-foot-3 Suarez is averaging 16.8 points and 7.4 rebounds, coming off 33 points and 10 rebounds in Sweet 16.
She’s tied with Miles with 12 double-doubles.
Clara Silva, 6-foot-7 center, is in her first season with TCU after one with Kentucky last year. Silva won’t be impacted by the SEC’s physicality given her freshman year experience and is averaging 9.3 points and 7.4 rebounds for TCU.
She didn’t score against South Carolina last year at Kentucky but had two assists and a steal in seven minutes of action.
TCU leads Big 12 in points allowed, rebounds and point differential
The Horned Frogs have the top defense in the Big 12, allowing an average of 55.9 points per game. They are also first in rebounds with 41.7 per game and in point differential at +21.4.
South Carolina vs TCU prediction in Elite Eight
South Carolina 84, TCU 72: This could be the closest game for South Carolina this tournament and will come down to execution. But despite almost three 100-point games, the Gamecocks say they still have room to grow with their best basketball left to play.
Raven Johnson vs Olivia Miles will be the main guard matchup, with Clara Silva vs Madina Okot at the center spot and Marta Suarez vs Joyce Edwards. So expect players like Tessa Johnson or Ta’Niya Latson to try to step up for Staley.
Lulu Kesin covers South Carolina athletics for The Greenville News and the USA TODAY Network. Email her at LKesin@usatodayco.com. Follow her on X@Lulukesin and Bluesky@bylulukesin.bsky.social
South-Carolina
Oklahoma vs. South Carolina box score: Full stats from 2026 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament game
Oklahoma vs. South Carolina box score: Full stats from 2026 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament game originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The 2026 NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament continues with Sweet 16 action Saturday as No. 1 South Carolina and No. 4 Oklahoma battle for a spot in the Elite Eight.
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Another year, another Sweet 16 appearance for Dawn Staley’s Gamecocks, who are a serious championship contender. They’ll face the Sooners in a SEC conference matchup. The game between both squads resulted in one of South Carolina’s three losses this season.
Oklahoma won the overtime thriller 94-82 in Norman on January 23.
Here is a look at the box score from Saturday’s Sweet 16 Regional 4 in Sacramento.
Oklahoma vs. South Carolina March Madness box score
Oklahoma stats
|
NO |
Name |
POS |
MIN |
FGM-A |
3PM-A |
FTM-A |
OREB |
REB |
AST |
ST |
BLK |
TO |
PF |
PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
6 |
Sahara Williams |
F |
24 |
2-8 |
0-0 |
1-1 |
2 |
5 |
2 |
2 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
5 |
|
4 |
Caya Smith |
F |
7 |
0-0 |
0-0 |
0-0 |
0 |
3 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
3 |
Zya Vann |
G |
22 |
2-7 |
1-3 |
1-2 |
1 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
1 |
6 |
|
2 |
Aaliyah Chavez |
G |
30 |
7-18 |
3-9 |
2-2 |
0 |
0 |
3 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
2 |
19 |
|
21 |
Brooklyn Stewart |
F |
15 |
0-2 |
0-0 |
0-0 |
2 |
5 |
1 |
0 |
4 |
4 |
1 |
0 |
|
12 |
Payton Verhulst |
G |
29 |
4-11 |
2-4 |
0-0 |
2 |
3 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
10 |
|
22 |
Keziah Lofton |
G |
10 |
2-3 |
0-0 |
0-0 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
4 |
|
15 |
Raegan Beers |
C |
27 |
4-8 |
0-1 |
2-6 |
2 |
6 |
2 |
1 |
2 |
2 |
1 |
10 |
|
Total |
21-57 |
6-17 |
6-11 |
13 |
31 |
9 |
5 |
9 |
12 |
7 |
54 |
|||
|
36.8% |
35.3% |
54.5% |
||||||||||||
South Carolina stats
|
NO |
Name |
POS |
MIN |
FGM-A |
3PM-A |
FTM-A |
OREB |
REB |
AST |
ST |
BLK |
TO |
PF |
PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
8 |
Joyce Edwards |
F |
28 |
3-10 |
0-0 |
2-2 |
2 |
8 |
3 |
2 |
0 |
1 |
2 |
8 |
|
1 |
Maddy McDaniel |
G |
13 |
0-3 |
0-1 |
0-0 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
2 |
0 |
|
30 |
Maryam Dauda |
F |
3 |
0-0 |
0-0 |
0-0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
|
31 |
Alicia Tournebize |
F |
8 |
1-4 |
0-1 |
0-0 |
0 |
3 |
1 |
0 |
3 |
0 |
3 |
2 |
|
5 |
Tessa Johnson |
G |
21 |
6-8 |
2-2 |
0-0 |
1 |
4 |
2 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
14 |
|
Ta’Niya Latson |
G |
26 |
6-10 |
3-3 |
6-6 |
0 |
1 |
5 |
0 |
0 |
4 |
1 |
21 |
|
|
11 |
Madina Okot |
C |
19 |
3-6 |
1-1 |
0-0 |
5 |
11 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
3 |
7 |
|
44 |
Agot Makeer |
G |
21 |
3-8 |
1-2 |
1-1 |
1 |
2 |
2 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
8 |
|
25 |
Raven Johnson |
G |
25 |
8-11 |
2-3 |
0-0 |
1 |
2 |
3 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
18 |
|
Total |
30-60 |
9-13 |
9-9 |
12 |
35 |
18 |
7 |
5 |
8 |
12 |
78 |
|||
|
50.0% |
69.2% |
100.0% |
||||||||||||
As for the NCAA tournament, South Carolina has dominated so far, winning by 69 points against Southern before blowing out the USC Trojans by 40 in the Round of 32.
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Oklahoma has made a nice run in this year’s tournament as a No. 4 seed, beating Idaho by 30 before knocking off No. 5 Michigan State by six in the second round.
These two teams will give each other fits. The real question could be which team will final possession and will they capilitize?
What channel is Oklahoma vs. South Carolina on today?
Oklahoma vs. South Carolina How to Watch
Date: Saturday, March 28
Time: 5 p.m. ET
Golden 1 Center- Saramento, California
TV: ESPN (Available on FuboTV)
More college basketball news:
South-Carolina
Where to watch South Carolina vs. Oklahoma in March Madness Sweet 16: Time, TV Channel
March Madness is underway and college basketball’s big dance continues with No. 1 seed South Carolina taking on No. 4 seed Oklahoma in a Sweet 16 matchup on Saturday, March 28. Here’s everything you need to know to tune in for the clash between the Sooners and Gamecocks.
USA TODAY Sports has a team of journalists covering women’s March Madness to keep you up to date with every point scored, rebound grabbed and game won in the 68-team tournament.
USA TODAY Studio IX: Check out our women’s sports hub for in-depth analysis, commentary and more
What time is Oklahoma vs South Carolina Sweet 16 game?
No. 1 South Carolina vs No. 4 Oklahoma tips off at 5:00 PM (EST) on Saturday, March 28 from Golden 1 Center (Sacramento, California).
What channel is Oklahoma vs South Carolina Sweet 16 game?
No. 1 South Carolina vs No. 4 Oklahoma is airing live on ESPN.
How to stream Oklahoma vs South Carolina Sweet 16 game
No. 1 South Carolina vs No. 4 Oklahoma is available to stream on Fubo.
Watch the NCAA Tournament all March long with Fubo
Oklahoma March Madness results
- Round of 62: def No. 13 Idaho, 89-59
- Round of 32: def No. 5 Michigan State, 77-71
South Carolina March Madness results
Round of 32: def No. 9 USC, 101-61
Round of 62: def No. 16 Southern, 103-34
Women’s March Madness schedule today
See the schedule, live scores and results for all of Saturday’s NCAA Tournament action here.
2026 Women’s NCAA Tournament full schedule
- March 18-19: First Four
- March 20-21: First Round
- March 22-23: Second Round
- March 27-28: Sweet 16
- March 29-30: Elite 8
- April 3: Final Four
- April 5: National Championship
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