South-Carolina

Five things we learned from South Carolina's tough loss to Auburn

Published

1 year ago

January 12, 2025

Five things we learned from South Carolina's tough loss to Auburn

The script was there. South Carolina was putting together a great story. The last page was in its hands with a chance to do the unthinkable.

The Gamecocks, who had lost their first two SEC games by a combined 55 points, were on the verge of taking down No. 2 Auburn on Saturday. However, after some missed free throws and a scoring drought at the end of the game, they came up just short of a massive upset, falling 66-63 to the Tigers.

Here are five things we learned from watching the way South Carolina performed on Saturday.

This team is so much better when CMB is at his best

Collin Murray-Boyles was only going to stay down for so long. After two rough games for him against SEC competition, the sophomore forward was back to his old self with a great showing against the Tigers.

He finished with a game-high 25 points on 10-of-18 shooting, along with seven rebounds and two assists. In those games where he struggled, he felt he wasn’t being himself or playing as aggressive as he would’ve liked.

But right away, it looked like Murray-Boyles was the aggressor and nobody was going to stand in his way. When he plays like that, he’s usually at his best. And that’s exactly what South Carolina needs from him. It’s no coincidence that the Gamecocks were in the game the whole way through with their top player doing his thing.

The front court in general was solid for South Carolina on Saturday. Nick Pringle finished with a double-double as he went for 12 points and 10 rebounds. Even Benjamin Bosmans-Verdonk, who played 10 minutes, had a big-time block in the second half.

Not that far off

For as rough as those last two games were, this one was most definitely a huge step in the right direction. The fact that the Gamecocks, who lost by 35 points to Mississippi State a week ago, was able to go toe to toe with the best team in the country says a lot. Yeah, they still lost, but that’s what progress looks like.

The good news is the hardest part of the schedule is out of the way now. Auburn and Alabama are currently the two best teams in the conference, and South Carolina won’t have to play either again in the regular season. Granted, there won’t be an “easy” portion of the schedule, not with how good the SEC is this year. But it helps these tougher games are over with.

It’ll be interesting to see how the team responds going into a two-game road trip this upcoming week. The Gamecocks will head to Vanderbilt on Wednesday and Oklahoma on Saturday. With the way they played against Auburn, they should be feeling better about their odds in these next two games. However, they’re going to have to play at that type of level, if not better, to come away victorious in either matchup.

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Have to finish better

While this was certainly a better performance, South Carolina didn’t have the strongest ending to this game. It’s partially why it ended up losing.

With only 23 second-half points, the offense went through a scoring drought in the final 5:18 of the game. A lot of credit needs to be given to Auburn’s defense for making the necessary adjustments after halftime. It’s hard to win games when you’re not scoring at all down the stretch.

Luckily, the Tigers weren’t doing a whole lot of scoring either in the final minutes. The Gamecocks only trailed by one with nine seconds to go in regulation and had a chance to either tie or take the lead. But Nick Pringle, who went to the line to shoot two free throws, missed both and blew a golden opportunity.

For the game, South Carolina went 9-for-16 (56.3 percent) at the free throw line. In a battle that came down to the final possession, it would’ve really helped if it had made some of those free throws.

Arden Conyers has a chance to be really good

With the Gamecocks down two starters, Arden Conyers, who hadn’t seen much floor time before this week, ended up playing a career-high 31 minutes on Saturday. He seemed to struggle against Alabama earlier in the week, but he looked much more comfortable and built for the moment versus Auburn.

The redshirt freshman guard finished with 13 points on 4-of-10 shooting, including 3-for-6 from behind the arc. He knocked down a pair of clutch three-pointers in the second half, both of which gave South Carolina the lead at different points.

Conyers is going to benefit greatly from these experiences as he gets his feet wet at the college level. Keep in mind, he didn’t play at all for South Carolina last season in his freshman year. So these games he’s playing in now are some of his first. It’s good to see him taking advantage of the opportunity he has in front of him, which will lead to more playing time.

Playing aggressive and physical works

Despite coming up short in this game, head coach Lamont Paris seemed to be very pleased with the effort his team gave. There’s no question South Carolina played with the right amount of physicality and aggressiveness, which helped it stay in the fight.

The Gamecocks won the rebound battle over Auburn 37-33 and had 15 second-chance points as a result of some of those big rebounds. They did a great job of crashing to the boards and making life tough on the Tigers at times.

This is exactly how they need to play in every game this season. They seem to be a lot better as a group when they play that style of basketball. The wins can definitely come if that continues moving forward.

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South-Carolina

House ethics committee investigating SC Republican for alleged overbilling

Published

20 hours ago

March 3, 2026

Press Room

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.

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South-Carolina

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

Published

1 day ago

March 3, 2026

Press Room

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.

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Bombing of Iran could mean South Carolinians paying more for gas

Published

2 days ago

March 2, 2026

Press Room

Bombing of Iran could mean South Carolinians paying more for gas

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.

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: