South-Carolina
Final Four Thoughts and Prediction
South Carolina is making its fifth consecutive trip to the Final Four and the seventh in program history. This year they will be returning to the scene of their first Final Four – the Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida. South Carolina fell short in the 2015 Final Four when Tiffany Mitchell was unable to connect on a difficult shot against Muffin McGraw’s Fighting Irish on the game’s final play. Connecticut cut down the nets in 2015 and are favored to do so again ten years later. While this number changes as the money pours in, UConn is the favorite at -155. The Gamecocks are next at +250 followed by UCLA at +750 and Texas at +850. To provide a point of reference for those numbers: in 2023: the unbeaten Gamecocks were -330 and LSU (eventually champion) was +700. So while UConn is the favorite, it’s not by nearly as much as the Gamecocks have been the last two seasons or like Huskies were in the early-to-mid 2010s.
Below are some of our thoughts on the field of four and the last weekend of basketball. Gamecock Scoop and Alan Cole will be following the Gamecocks in Tampa and will have extensive coverage throughout Carolina’s hopeful championship run.
Let’ start with the Gamecocks. For most of the tournament South Carolina’s defense has shown up. Duke exploited the Gamecocks out of the halftime break but for the most part Carolina’s defense hasn’t been the problem. In the last three games, the Gamecocks haven’t gotten into transition to score easy baskets. (A few MiLaysia Fulwiley moments aside), and Carolina’s half-court offense has been stagnant. Carolina can beat Texas the with the way they’ve played the last three rounds, because Texas plays a very similar style, but they won’t beat UCLA or UConn. The Gamecocks were 7-for-23 from 3-point range in Birmingham and Te-Hina Paopao is averaging 7.3 points per game in this tournament. Both of those number must improve if South Carolina is going to cut down another set of nets. The Gamecocks have needed 4th quarter comebacks the last two rounds. With UCLA’s size, Texas’ smothering defense and UConn’s incredibly efficiency- 4th quarter comebacks will be a tall task in Tampa.
UCLA enjoys an advantage that the Gamecocks have the last four seasons, a player that presents a physical mismatch for everyone else in the field. Lauren Betts is 6’7 and is averaging 20 points and nearly 10 rebounds a game. When teams try to collapse on Betts, the Bruins have four guards that shoot over 35% from three including junior star Kiki Rice.
Paige Bueckers is doing everything that Caitlyn Clark did last year but unlike the Hawkeyes, the Huskies have two other potential top WNBA Draft picks on their roster to fall back on. Azzi Duff, I mean Fudd, looks healthy and Sarah Strong is the freshman of the year. UConn ranks in the top five in the country in field goal percentage (No. 1), points per play and per 100 possessions (No. 1), 3-point percentage (No. 5), assists per game (No. 3), fewest turnovers per game (No. 3) and margin of victory (No. 1). UConn is short team without a true dominant post. Betts and Bruins might be the toughest matchup for the Huskies of their three possible opponents.
The Gamecocks have seen Texas three times, splitting a home-and-home in the regular and in the finals of the SEC Tournament. They know each other. From the three matchups this season, if you can control Madison Booker, you are going to beat the Horns. Texas just doesn’t have another scorer that scares quality opponents. The Longhorns also do not shoot the three ball well. If an opponent can build a double-digit lead early, Texas will struggle to make up ground. The Horns are tenacious on defense and are an excellent rebounding team.
Stephen: I’ve ridden with the Gamecocks throughout this tournament, but you’d have to have been blind to say that the UConn Huskies haven’t looked like the better the team the last two months. On February 16th, walking out of the CLA after witnessing UConn roll the Gamecocks by 29, I dismissed it as a one-off. A game which the Gamecocks played poorly and Connecticut played its’ best game in almost a decade. Now it looks like it was the first time that UConn was fully healthy this season and a showcase for that they were capable of. South Carolina can still beat UConn, as can UCLA, but right now Connecticut looks like the country’s best/hottest team. UConn over Carolina.
Alan: I think I have to side with Stephen on this one. UConn has not only been playing the best basketball in the country for the last month, but continued to improve throughout the NCAA Tournament. The Huskies have looked a little better every weekend, while South Carolina’s halfcourt offense has been invisible nearly the entire tournament other than the Tennessee Tech game and the second half against Indiana. Can it come back? For sure. And I wll never fully write off a Dawn Staley team. But right now it feels like UConn’s to lose, and i think UConn beats South Carolina.
MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. (WCSC) — An investigation into possible cheating on a South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy test has resulted in terminations and separations.
Mount Pleasant Police say two officers have been terminated after an initial investigation into the possible cheating. An additional investigation determined that eight more officers provided and received test answers. Those eight officers have been separated from the police department.
Chief of Police Mark Arnold provided the following statement regarding the incident.
“After receiving information, the Mount Pleasant Police Department conducted an internal investigation regarding possible cheating on a South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy test. As a result of the initial investigation, two officers were terminated. Information obtained after that investigation prompted an additional internal investigation, which determined that eight additional officers had provided and received test answers. These officers were cooperative throughout the investigative process. At the conclusion of the investigation, these officers were separated from the Mount Pleasant Police Department.
These matters are subject to appeal through the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy. The Mount Pleasant Police Department will not be making any further statements at this time.”
Copyright 2026 WCSC. All rights reserved.
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Confidence is increasing that the Upstate will experience a major winter storm over the weekend.
A winter storm watch issued by the National Weather Service at Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport remains in effect. According to the latest watch, travel on the roads during the storm will be dangerous due to the possibility of heavy mixed precipitation.
Power outages caused by significant ice accumulation on power lines and trees limbs are also likely, according to the weather service. In some areas, outages could last for days.
Meteorologists with the Weather Channel said the weather event could affect over 180 million people in the U.S. ― over half of the nation’s estimated population. Residents who experienced Tropical Storm Helene in 2024 may be wondering if the Palmetto State is winter ready.
Here’s what the Greenville County Emergency Management team shared, and why residents should prepare.
How much snow will impact the Upstate?
The National Weather Service’s urgent winter weather message, posted Jan. 22 at 1:30 a.m., stated a winter storm watch remains in effect from Jan. 24 through Jan. 26. In the message, the service said heavy mixed precipitation was possible, with total snow and sleet accumulations between one and three inches and ice accumulations between one half and one inch.
In addition to the Upstate, portions of Piedmont, northeast Georgia, and western North Carolina are anticipated to experience the effects.
“Significant ice accumulations on power lines and tree limbs may cause widespread and long-lasting power outages. Ice and snow covered roadways will become treacherous and impassable,” the National Weather Service predicted.
Weight from ice and snow on tree limbs and power lines may cause widespread power outages, which may last for several days depending on the area. Residents who commute on Jan. 26 should know that travel may be impacted by hazardous conditions. Highest snow and sleet accumulations are possible north of Interstate 40. Highest ice accumulations are possible across the mountains of South Carolina, northeast Georgia and southern mountains of North Carolina.
Those traveling are advised to consider delaying all trips. If traveling, the National Weather Service recommends carrying a winter storm kit that includes items such as tire chains, booster cables, a flashlight, shovel, blankets, and extra clothing.
“Also take water, a first aid kit, and anything else that would help you survive in case you become stranded,” the National Weather Service advised.
Emergency Operations Center preparing for ‘potential activation’ over the weekend
Pierce Womack, director at Greenville County Emergency Management, said that he and his staff are preparing the Emergency Operations Center for potential activation over the weekend. The facility serves as the coordination hub for Greenville County and includes all of the county department’s municipalities, or partner agencies (nonprofits like United Way and Red Cross, and the South Carolina Department of Public Health).
“All the different agencies would coordinate here in the Emergency Operations Center, similar to what we’ve done in the past for Hurricane Helene, the Table Rock Fire. It just serves as a hub for folks to work face to face.” said Womack.
If roads are impassable, overnight facilities will be available at the center for community members who need a place to shower, eat, and sleep. The center will be powered by a generator, and backup internet will also be available for use.
The Greenville County Emergency Management team will also be working with the South Carolina Department of Public Health, Prisma Health, and St. Francis to ensure that there are facilities in place across the county that can house general evacuees and individuals with special needs, like those who are on oxygen.
Roads to be pre-treated by South Carolina Department of Transportation
The majority of Greenville County’s main roads will be pre-treated and maintained by the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT), said Womack. Greenville County will be treating county roads, which mainly include secondary and subdivision roads. Most of the main roads will be handled by the state.
“The county will have salt and sand and different types of equipment to try to treat those roads,” Womack said. “The county really kind of comes in after the storm and starts scraping roads and putting sand and salt down as well.”
From past experience, Womack said main roads like Interstate 85 will receive clearance first. Treatment of secondary roads will follow.
Elizabeth Childs with SCDOT confirmed the state agency has 60,000 tons of salt staged at storage facilities across South Carolina. Brine and calcium chloride will also be used to treat roadways. Treatment will be prioritized on interstates, primary routes, bridges overpasses, and ramps, which tend to freeze first. Coverage will be adjusted according to weather conditions and severity.
“More than 4,000 SCDOT employees statewide are ready to respond during a winter weather emergency with 34-hour operations, deploying crews as conditions warrant to treat and maintain roadways.” said Childs.
Does the Greenville County Emergency Management team coordinate with utility companies for weather events?
During past disasters, Womack said he and his fire department were able to partner with a representative from a power company to clear troubled areas with many fallen trees and downed power lines. The team was able to get these types of areas opened first, and power restored.
“The power companies are very good about knowing which critical infrastructure, such as hospitals or merged operation center, things like that ― they know what are on each circuit. So they have some internal processes put together along with avenues that we have to kind of help speed up some of that in, in the trouble areas.” said Womack.
Essential supplies, tips residents should know about before winter storm hits
Womack provided the following weather preparedness tips in the event of a snowstorm:
- Make sure you have a full tank of gas and warm weather gear when traveling in case you get stranded or stuck in traffic (jacket, gloves, blanket, car charger).
- Prepare the home for a winter storm by leaving one of your water faucets dripping to keep the flow of water going. Be mindful of any busted water pipes.
- Purchase at least 72 hours of water and non-perishable food on hand like canned goods.
- Keep a cell phone charger nearby.
- Pick up any prescription medications your family may need in advance of the storm. The same goes for pet necessities and pet food.
- You will need batteries, a flashlight, and weather radios in case the power goes out.
- Residents who own generators are urged to use them in a safe manner under the guidance of the manufacturer’s recommendations. Generators should run outside to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Portable heaters that use kerosene should be kept far away to prevent materials nearby from combusting, which may result in a home fire. Make sure the heater is cleared out. Do not tip the heater over.
- Be on the safe side by spending a few nights with a friend or family member who does have power.
How to stay updated on alerts from Greenville County Emergency Management, SCDOT?
Once the Emergency Operations Center is activated, information from sheltering to warming center locations will be posted on the Greenville County Emergency Management team’s website and social media pages.
For real-time road and travel updates, the public should follow SCDOT’s website and social media channels. Information on shelters and power outages will be provided by local governments, emergency management agencies, and utility companies.
“SCDOT coordinates with utility providers to ensure road access for repair crews during and after winter weather, and any road closures are evaluated based on safety and communicated through official channels in coordination with law enforcement and emergency partners.” said Childs.
Nina Tran is the public safety and education reporter for The Greenville News, part of the USA TODAY Network. She has also covered trending topics for the newsroom. Reach her via email at ntran@usatodayco.com.
SUMMERVILLE S.C (WCIV) — Wetzel’s Pretzels is set to open its first brick-and-mortar location in South Carolina, expanding the California-based pretzel chain’s presence through a partnership with Walmart.
The new bakery will be located inside the Walmart at 9880 Dorchester Road in Summerville and marks the brand’s first store in the state.
The Summerville location is operated by first-time Wetzel’s franchise owners Mathieu and Hannah Rajaonah, who previously owned a franchise business in Arizona before moving to the Charleston area in 2025. The couple said they were introduced to the brand while living in Arizona and wanted to bring the concept to South Carolina.
“When looking for our next business venture, Wetzel’s Pretzels offered the balance of operational simplicity and growth potential we were looking for,” Mathieu Rajaonah said in a statement.
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The Rajaonahs plan to continue expanding the brand locally, with a second Wetzel’s Pretzels location expected to open in 2027.
The Walmart location is an intentional move, as company officials have been vocal on the store-within-a-store business model, allowing customers to pair their shopping trips with cravable snacks and refreshing drinks.
“We’re confident the Summerville bakery will be a hit with shoppers looking for a fresh, fast, and fun snack experience,” said Jon Fischer, head of development at Wetzel’s Pretzels. “We’re thrilled to open the first brick-and-mortar Wetzel’s in South Carolina.”
Wetzel’s Pretzels, founded in 1994, continues to expand nationally through franchise locations, with additional growth planned in more Walmart stores and high-traffic retail environments.
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