South-Carolina
Men’s Tennis Falls in SEC Title Match
Baton Rouge, La. – No. 24 South Carolina men’s’ tennis fell to No. 4 Kentucky 4-2 in the SEC Tournament title match on Sunday. The Gamecocks fell in a tight doubles point and were bested by three singles wins.
In doubles, Kentucky took the first match with Taha Baadi and Jack Loutit defeating Jelani Sarr and Lucas Andrade da Silva 6-3 from the No. 2 position. Just minutes later, South Carolina evened the decision with a 6-4 win from the No. 3 position where Casey Hoole and Sean Daryabeigi defeated Jaden Weekes and Eli Stephensen 6-4.
The decision fell to the top court where Toby Samuel and James Story were battling the nation’s No. 7 pair of JJ Mercer and Joshua Lapadat. The Gamecocks fell a break early but broke back immediately for 2-2. Both pairs then held serve for the remainder of the match, forcing the decision to a tiebreaker.
In the breaker, the Gamecocks took the opening point but weren’t able to get much else going, falling 7-6(2) for Kentucky to take the doubles point.
Play transitioned to singles where No. 15 Samuel was quick to even things up for the Gamecocks. He defeated No. 35 Baadi 6-4, 6-2 to even things at 1-1.
It wasn’t long after the Daryabeigi gave South Carolina the 2-1 lead, defeating Weekes 6-4, 6-1.
Kentucky then took the next two points to flip the lead in their favor with Da Silva falling 7-5, 6-3 and Story falling to No. 97 Lapadat 6-4, 6-1.
The two remaining courts remained in play on opposite sides of the facility with Sarr battling in a third set on Court 5 and Carter Morgan fighting in his second set on Court 6.
Sarr took his first set 6-3 but his opponent Loutit claimed the second 6-4. The final set was a close battle with both players holding serve but the decision was left unfinished as the Wildcats clinched the victory on Court 6.
The historic run was South Carolina’s first ever trip to the SEC Tournament title match and set a new SEC record for lowest seed to ever advance to the title match as the No. 11 seed.
The Gamecocks now awaits the NCAA selection show that will take place on April 29 to determine their fate for the remainder of the season.
For all the latest South Carolina men’s tennis information, continue to follow GamecocksOnline.com or the team on social media (@GamecockMTennis).
#4 Kentucky 4, #24 South Carolina 2
Doubles (order of finish: 2, 3, 1)
- #7 JJ Mercer/Joshua Lapadat (UK) def. Toby Samuel/James Story (SC) 7-6 (7-3)
- Taha Baadi/Jack Loutit (UK) def. Jelani Sarr/Lucas da Silva (SC) 6-3
- Casey Hoole/Sean Daryabeigi (SC) def. Jaden Weekes/Eli Stephenson (UK) 6-4
Singles (order of finish: 1, 3, 4, 2, 6)
- #15 Toby Samuel (SC) def. #35 Taha Baadi (UK) 6-4, 6-2
- #97 Joshua Lapadat (UK) def. James Story (SC) 6-4, 6-1
- Sean Daryabeigi (SC) def. Jaden Weekes (UK) 6-4, 6-1
- Charlelie Cosnet (UK) def. Lucas da Silva (SC) 7-5, 6-3
- Jack Loutit (UK) vs. Jelani Sarr (SC) 3-6, 6-4, 4-3, unfinished
- Eli Stephenson (UK) def. Carter Morgan (SC) 7-6 (7-4), 6-3
Powerball, Mega Millions jackpots: What to know in case you win
Here’s what to know in case you win the Powerball or Mega Millions jackpot.
Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
The South Carolina Education Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big. Here’s a look at Jan. 3, 2026, results for each game:
Winning Powerball numbers from Jan. 3 drawing
18-21-40-53-60, Powerball: 23, Power Play: 3
Check Powerball payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Pick 3 Plus FIREBALL numbers from Jan. 3 drawing
Midday: 1-8-9, FB: 9
Evening: 0-5-1, FB: 0
Check Pick 3 Plus FIREBALL payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Pick 4 Plus FIREBALL numbers from Jan. 3 drawing
Midday: 2-5-1-7, FB: 9
Evening: 3-9-5-0, FB: 0
Check Pick 4 Plus FIREBALL payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Cash Pop numbers from Jan. 3 drawing
Midday: 12
Evening: 07
Check Cash Pop payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Palmetto Cash 5 numbers from Jan. 3 drawing
02-06-23-25-33
Check Palmetto Cash 5 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Powerball Double Play numbers from Jan. 3 drawing
28-40-52-53-54, Powerball: 12
Check Powerball Double Play payouts and previous drawings here.
Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results
Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your lottery prize
The South Carolina Education Lottery provides multiple ways to claim prizes, depending on the amount won:
For prizes up to $500, you can redeem your winnings directly at any authorized South Carolina Education Lottery retailer. Simply present your signed winning ticket at the retailer for an immediate payout.
Winnings $501 to $100,000, may be redeemed by mailing your signed winning ticket along with a completed claim form and a copy of a government-issued photo ID to the South Carolina Education Lottery Claims Center. For security, keep copies of your documents and use registered mail to ensure the safe arrival of your ticket.
SC Education Lottery
P.O. Box 11039
Columbia, SC 29211-1039
For large winnings above $100,000, claims must be made in person at the South Carolina Education Lottery Headquarters in Columbia. To claim, bring your signed winning ticket, a completed claim form, a government-issued photo ID, and your Social Security card for identity verification. Winners of large prizes may also set up an Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) for convenient direct deposit of winnings.
Columbia Claims Center
1303 Assembly Street
Columbia, SC 29201
Claim Deadline: All prizes must be claimed within 180 days of the draw date for draw games.
For more details and to access the claim form, visit the South Carolina Lottery claim page.
When are the South Carolina Lottery drawings held?
- Powerball: 10:59 p.m. ET on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
- Mega Millions: 11 p.m. ET on Tuesday and Friday.
- Pick 3: Daily at 12:59 p.m. (Midday) and 6:59 p.m. (Evening).
- Pick 4: Daily at 12:59 p.m. (Midday) and 6:59 p.m. (Evening).
- Cash Pop: Daily at 12:59 p.m. (Midday) and 6:59 p.m. (Evening).
- Palmetto Cash 5: 6:59 p.m. ET daily.
This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a South Carolina editor. You can send feedback using this form.
Powerball, Mega Millions jackpots: What to know in case you win
Here’s what to know in case you win the Powerball or Mega Millions jackpot.
Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
The South Carolina Education Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big. Here’s a look at Dec. 28, 2025, results for each game:
Winning Pick 3 Plus FIREBALL numbers from Dec. 28 drawing
Evening: 8-4-9, FB: 2
Check Pick 3 Plus FIREBALL payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Pick 4 Plus FIREBALL numbers from Dec. 28 drawing
Evening: 5-6-2-0, FB: 2
Check Pick 4 Plus FIREBALL payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Cash Pop numbers from Dec. 28 drawing
Evening: 07
Check Cash Pop payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Palmetto Cash 5 numbers from Dec. 28 drawing
03-10-14-21-34
Check Palmetto Cash 5 payouts and previous drawings here.
Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results
Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your lottery prize
The South Carolina Education Lottery provides multiple ways to claim prizes, depending on the amount won:
For prizes up to $500, you can redeem your winnings directly at any authorized South Carolina Education Lottery retailer. Simply present your signed winning ticket at the retailer for an immediate payout.
Winnings $501 to $100,000, may be redeemed by mailing your signed winning ticket along with a completed claim form and a copy of a government-issued photo ID to the South Carolina Education Lottery Claims Center. For security, keep copies of your documents and use registered mail to ensure the safe arrival of your ticket.
SC Education Lottery
P.O. Box 11039
Columbia, SC 29211-1039
For large winnings above $100,000, claims must be made in person at the South Carolina Education Lottery Headquarters in Columbia. To claim, bring your signed winning ticket, a completed claim form, a government-issued photo ID, and your Social Security card for identity verification. Winners of large prizes may also set up an Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) for convenient direct deposit of winnings.
Columbia Claims Center
1303 Assembly Street
Columbia, SC 29201
Claim Deadline: All prizes must be claimed within 180 days of the draw date for draw games.
For more details and to access the claim form, visit the South Carolina Lottery claim page.
When are the South Carolina Lottery drawings held?
- Powerball: 10:59 p.m. ET on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
- Mega Millions: 11 p.m. ET on Tuesday and Friday.
- Pick 3: Daily at 12:59 p.m. (Midday) and 6:59 p.m. (Evening).
- Pick 4: Daily at 12:59 p.m. (Midday) and 6:59 p.m. (Evening).
- Cash Pop: Daily at 12:59 p.m. (Midday) and 6:59 p.m. (Evening).
- Palmetto Cash 5: 6:59 p.m. ET daily.
This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a South Carolina editor. You can send feedback using this form.
EDGEFIELD COUNTY, S.C. (WPDE) — A South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) officer was involved in a shooting early Sunday morning in Edgefield County.
SCDNR said their officer was shot at repeatedly but sustained no injuries.
Preliminary reports indicate a possible silver or light blue four-door sedan was the subject vehicle involved in the shooting, according to SCDNR.
South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) is investigating.
Anyone with information in this incident is asked to call (866)472-8477.
New York Republicans call for independent fraud investigation following Minnesota revelations
Studs and Duds: Lions’ Stars Deliver Strong Effort
Philadelphia Eagles to play San Francisco 49ers in NFL playoffs. Here’s what you need to know.
Cowboys updated 2026 NFL Draft order: Current 1st-round pick after Week 18
Hundreds of Caribbean flights canceled, leaving travelers stranded at Miami International Airport
Florida High School Football Rankings: Top 25 teams – Oct. 21
Cleary's 21 help Le Moyne down Central Connecticut State 69-64 in OT
How old is Bo Nix? What to know about Oregon quarterback ahead of 2024 NFL Draft
99th annual Pony Swim held in Virginia
Video: ‘It Didn’t Have to Happen This Way:’ U.Va. Faculty Call for Review of Police Response to Protests
Dan Bongino officially leaves FBI deputy director role after less than a year, returns to ‘civilian life’
Hundreds march in silence to honour Crans-Montana fire victims
Here’s a partial list of U.S. elected officials opposing Trump’s invasion of Venezuela
Crans Montana organises solemn march for the victims • FRANCE 24 English
Trump says US will ‘run’ Venezuela • FRANCE 24 English
-
World7 days agoHamas builds new terror regime in Gaza, recruiting teens amid problematic election
-
Indianapolis, IN1 week agoIndianapolis Colts playoffs: Updated elimination scenario, AFC standings, playoff picture for Week 17
-
Business1 week agoGoogle is at last letting users swap out embarrassing Gmail addresses without losing their data
-
Southeast1 week agoTwo attorneys vanish during Florida fishing trip as ‘heartbroken’ wife pleads for help finding them
-
World1 week agoSnoop Dogg, Lainey Wilson, Huntr/x and Andrea Bocelli Deliver Christmas-Themed Halftime Show for Netflix’s NFL Lions-Vikings Telecast
-
Politics1 week agoMost shocking examples of Chinese espionage uncovered by the US this year: ‘Just the tip of the iceberg’
-
World1 week agoPodcast: The 2025 EU-US relationship explained simply
-
News1 week agoRoads could remain slick, icy Saturday morning in Philadelphia area, tracking another storm on the way