South-Carolina
South Carolina comes from behind to shock No. 1 LSU in walk-off win
Paul Mainieri didn’t just give Jase Woita the green light. In his own words, he gave him an “emphatic” green light to swing at a 3-0 pitch.
Tied with the No. 1 team in the country in the bottom of the ninth inning, Mainieri was going down swinging. He saw that South Carolina had struggled to bring home runs after putting itself in some good situations early on. So he called on Woita to pinch-hit for Gavin Braland, knowing he could potentially do some damage.
“Somebody has to eventually hit the ball to get, well, unless they throw a wild pitch to end the game right there,” Mainieri said, alluding to what later happened. “You hate to count on that. You need to hit your way to victory. I just thought Jase had the best chance.”
After Mainieri joked about Woita’s “blazing speed” earlier in the week, the junior slugger came through with potentially the biggest hit of the night, a triple that took a favorable bounce off the top of the left field wall. It set South Carolina up for a dramatic finish a few batters later, as Dalton Mashore, pinch-running for Woita, scored on a wild pitch to walk it off in a 6-5 win over top-ranked LSU.
“(Woita) was hauling,” said Henry Kaczmar, who hit two of the team’s three triples, becoming the first Gamecock since 2019 to do so. “I heard a couple guys in the dugout say, ‘Unhook the trailer!’ We’re all happy he got there. I thought it was going to leave the yard at the start. It stayed fair, but we were fortunate that he was able to hustle that triple out for us.”
It was the type of effort that encapsulated the night for the Gamecocks (28-26, 6-22 SEC). And after going through so much heartbreak and losses throughout the season, Mainieri felt it was about time something good happened for the players.
“You’ve got to get the best possible team put together. You’ve got to coach them right. You’ve got to motivate them. And then they got to go out there and they got to perform,” he said. “You’ve got to get some breaks along the way. It’s hard to win games, but anything’s possible. Today, we didn’t give up.”
After some weekends where the pitching was the biggest problem, South Carolina received quality outings from Ashton Crowther and Brandon Stone, who each pitched 4.1 innings.
Crowther gave up an early two-run homer to Daniel Dickinson in the first but settled in after that. Stone pitched well for most of his time on the mound before giving up two runs in the eighth that put the Tigers up by two runs with six outs to go.
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But the Gamecocks continued to battle. They immediately got a run back in the bottom of the inning with an RBI single from Kennedy Jones after Kaczmar led off with a triple. That was all they’d get, though, still trailing by a run with three outs left.
Then, with one out in the ninth, KJ Scobey tied the game with one swing as he crushed a solo homer off LSU right-hander Zac Cowan. The freshman third baseman admitted he sat on a first-pitch changeup, which he hit into the visitor’s bullpen.
“He’s really been swinging the bat great. He swung the bat well down at Auburn, you know, the game-tying home run today in the ninth inning,” Mainieri said. “Don’t forget his sacrifice fly off of Noot when he came into the game. That was a huge swing, too. Scobey is developing into a really outstanding player, just like I thought he would.”
Just when it looked like South Carolina was heading towards another brutal loss, it found new life. It looked like the game might be on its way to extra innings after LSU first baseman Jared Jones made a diving catch to rob Nathan Hall of a possible walk-off hit.
But after Woita’s all-important triple, a 1-1 pitch to Cayden Gaskin bounced in the dirt and went to the backstop. Mashore scored easily as a player-led celebration ensued at Founders Park. Mainieri watched on, soaking up all he could of a big night for his team.
“Anytime you beat the number one team in the country, it’s special,” Mainieri said. “… It was an exciting night for South Carolina, the Gamecocks, and our players and staff. I’m glad the fans got to enjoy a really good win as well.”
Up next: South Carolina will go for the series win over the Tigers on Friday. First pitch is at 7 p.m. on SEC Network Plus. Jake McCoy (4-4, 6.71 ERA) will get the start on the mound. It will also be senior night for the Gamecocks, which will begin at 6:25 p.m.
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.
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
COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — After a long career of fighting for civil rights, the Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr. is visiting his home for one last time to lie in state at the South Carolina capitol on Monday.
The final full honors from the state where he was born is a far cry from his childhood in segregated Greenville, where in 1960 he couldn’t go inside the local library’s much better funded whites-only branch to check out a book he needed.
Jackson led seven Black high school students into that segregated branch, where they sat down and read books and magazines until they were arrested. The branches closed, then quietly reopened for all.
With that action, Jackson launched his career — and crusade — fighting for equality for all. He would catch the attention of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and join the voting rights march King led from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama.
Jackson died Feb. 17 at age 84 after battling a rare neurological disorder that affected his mobility and ability to speak in his later years.
The South Carolina services are part of two weeks of events. It began with Jackson’s body lying in repose and the public invited last week to his Rainbow PUSH Coalition’s Chicago headquarters.
After South Carolina, Jackson will be returned to Chicago for a large celebration of life gathering at a megachurch and the final homegoing services at the headquarters of Rainbow PUSH. Plans for a service in Washington, D.C., to honor him have been postponed until a later date.
Nationally, Jackson advocated for the poor and underrepresented for voting rights, job opportunities, education and health care. He scored diplomatic victories with world leaders.
Trough his Rainbow PUSH Coalition, he channeled cries for Black pride and self-determination into corporate boardrooms, pressuring executives to make America a more open and equitable society. He stepped forward as the Civil Rights Movement’s torchbearer after King’s assassination, and would run for the Democratic presidential nomination in 1984 and 1988.
Jackson continued to be active in his home state, pushing in 2003 for Greenville County to honor King by matching the federal holiday in his honor and in 2015 by advocating for removing the Confederate flag from South Carolina Statehouse grounds after nine Black worshipers were killed in a racist shooting at a Charleston church.
Jackson is just the second Black man to lie in state at the South Carolina capitol. State Sen. Clementa Pinckney was honored in 2015 after he was shot and killed in the Charleston church shooting.
___
Associated Press writer Sophia Tareen in Chicago contributed to this report.
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