South-Carolina
Chaz Lanier dazzles in final Knoxville act, Vols beat South Carolina
Chaz Lanier played just 17 career games at Food City Center. He made a lasting impression in his last one.
The Tennessee senior guard brought the Vols back to life in their regular season finale against South Carolina on Saturday afternoon, turning a slugfest into a 75-65 triumph over a pesky Gamecocks team that has given even the biggest of the SEC Goliaths fits this season on Senior Day.
TALK ABOUT IT IN THE ROCKY TOP FORUM
Fourth-ranked Tennessee (25-6, 12-6 SEC), which will be no lower than a 4-seed in the SEC Tournament in Nashville next week, bounced back from a two-point road loss at Ole Miss and will head into the postseason with some recaptured momentum.
Lanier dazzled in his final act in Knoxville. He followed up 1-of-4 shooting in the first half with one of those scoring stretches that made a 25 minute tug-of-war a memory after he broke away on a fastbreak and scored to put the Vols up 10 with 5:32 left.
Lanier finished with 23 points on 9-of-16 shooting from the field, and three 3-pointers. Cade Phillips scored 15, Igor Milicic Jr. totaled 13 and Jordan Gainey had 10.
South Carolina (12-19, 2-16) out-rebounded Tennessee, 32-31 but the Vols dominated in points in the paint, finishing with a 42-24 edge.
Igor Milicic Jr., whose last shot attempt missed off of the rim as time expired in a two-point loss at Ole Miss four nights before, opened Saturday with a 3-pointer. He hit another a few minutes later, pacing Tennessee to a 13-7 lead more than six minutes into the first half.
Fittingly on Senior Day, it was Milicic and Jahmai Mashack had all of the Vols points early. Cade Phillips added two more with a dunk out of a timeout and Darlinstone Dubar scored by way of a goal tending call to stretch Tennessee’s lead to 17-9.
Arden Conyers answered with a three to trim that lead to seven, but Phillips clapped back with another dunk to send the Vols into the under 12 timeout up 19-12.
Zakai Zeigler hadn’t scored by that point, but he was had dished the ball on seven of Tennessee’s first eight field goals with still more than 11 minutes left in the half.
South Carolina went three-plus minutes without a basket, meanwhile Jordan Gainey put the Vols up 10 with a jumper to lead 23-13 with inside of nine minutes left.
Zachary Davis ended the Gamecocks’ drought with a layup, then Jamarii Thomas laced a 3-pointer from the corner to get within five at 23-18. Chaz Lanier came back down and knocked down a three in response, but Tennessee fell into a three minute scoring drought and South Carolina built on its run to pull within one at 26-25 with 4:23 to go.
Thomas put the Gamecocks in front for the firs time with another three with 2:09 left, but Dubar pulled the Vols back in front on the other end. It went back-and-forth from there over the last minute of the half.
A Conyers 3-pointer gave South Carolina the lead back with 20 seconds left, but Tennessee evened the score at halftime, 34-34 after an and-1 from Phillips.
The slugfest spilled over into the second and so did the foul trouble. In the first two minutes, Zeigler and Felix Okpara were whistled for their third fouls and went to the bench.
Milicic scored on an and-1 and Lanier hit a three out of a timeout to give the Vols the lead back after the Gamecocks went up. Tennessee started to create some separation with a score from Gainey off of an offensive rebound and a Lanier layup and foul swelled its lead to 48-42 with 12:57 left.
Conyers kept South Carolina hanging around with his third 3-pointer to get back within three. Collin Murray-Boyles did the same after a Phillips score, but Lanier provided a jolt with back-to-back threes to push the Vols’ lead to 56-47.
Tennessee went up by 12 on a Phillips’ dunk that he was fouled on on the way up, but the second half was still the Chaz Lanier Show. After the Gamecocks got their deficit under 10, he scored on a deflating fastbreak layup to put the Vols back up 10.
Lanier had already planted the dagger, but he drove it in with a step-back jumper with 1:30 remaining to lead by 12, and South Carolina didn’t have the firepower or the time to recover.
Tennessee locked up at least the 4-seed in the SEC Tournament in Nashville with its win over South Carolina, but could move up by Saturday night.
Alabama, which currently holds the 3-seed behind 1-seed Auburn and 2-seed Florida, play the Tigers for the second time at 2:30 p.m. ET. A loss would allow the Vols to jump the Crimson Tide for the 3-seed by way of tiebreaker.
Regardless, Tennessee will get the double-bye and will play Friday at Bridgestone Arena. The Vols made a quick exit at the tournament a year ago, falling to Mississippi State before going on an Elite Eight run in the NCAA Tournament.
South-Carolina
House ethics committee investigating SC Republican for alleged overbilling
HUNT VALLEY, Md. (TNND) — The House ethics committee announced Monday it is investigating Representative Nancy Mace, the South Carolina Republican, for potentially improper reimbursement.
Mace may have sought and received reimbursements for Washington property expenses that were greater than the costs she actually incurred. The congresswoman has taken issue with the reliability of the committee’s evidence, however.
The committee began its investigation following a December referral from the House Office of Congressional Conduct (OCC), an independent body that reviews allegations of misconduct. The OCC recommended that the committee investigate Mace’s reimbursement activity since there is “substantial” reason to believe she acted unethically – potentially in violation of House rules, standards of conduct and federal law.
Bills and statements from early 2023 to mid-2024 show that Mace overbilled the House for over $9,000 during that period, the OCC said. She allegedly requested the maximum reimbursement each month, at times receiving over a thousand dollars more than what she was entitled to, although the details of her finances are murky. Mace owned the property with her fiancé, who may have helped pay for it, according to the OCC.
“Based on the information available to the OCC, it appears Rep. Mace was reimbursed amounts exceeding the actual costs incurred for the DC Property during several months in 2023 and 2024,” the office said in its report.
“Further, if Rep. Mace did not pay for 100% of expenses related to the DC property – a determination the OCC could neither reach nor reject due to the Congresswoman’s lack of cooperation – this would increase the disparity between the amounts Rep. Mace was reimbursed and her actual expenses incurred.”
Mace’s lawyer, William Sullivan, Jr., wrote in response to the report in December that the OCC’s conclusions were “fundamentally flawed.” The report appeared to include unverified assertions and materials from the congresswoman’s former fiancé, who has a history of abusive and retaliatory behavior toward her, Sullivan said. The couple’s relationship ended in late 2023 to protect Mace’s “safety and wellbeing,” he noted.
“The Referral Report’s reliance on material and information originating from [the former fiancé] is therefore deeply problematic,” Sullivan wrote. “[The fiancé’s] personal motives, documented misuse of legal process, and demonstrated willingness to advance distorted or incomplete narratives about the Congresswoman raise substantial concerns about the accuracy and fairness of any claims premised upon or aligned with his accounts.”
The ethics committee is in the initial stage of its investigation and is gathering more information before advancing.
Have questions, concerns or tips? Send them to Ray at rjlewis@sbgtv.com.
South-Carolina
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!
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.
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
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