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South Carolina softball bows out of SEC Tournament, awaits selection show

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South Carolina softball bows out of SEC Tournament, awaits selection show


ATHENS, Ga. — And now they wait.

South Carolina softball is out of the SEC Tournament after a 1-1 week at Jack Turner Stadium in Athens, following a 6-2 win over Alabama with a 12-4 loss to Texas A&M on Thursday night.

An ugly night for the Gamecocks defensively saw five errors scattered across the night, and Texas A&M (44-9) scored two unearned runs off the mistakes.

“Obviously really disappointed with the result of the game,” head coach Ashley Chastain Woodard said. “Texas A&M is one of the best teams in the country. You have to play really well to beat them, and we did not. That’s one of the lesser defensive performances we’ve had all year. We’ve been really good on defense even fro the start.”

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South Carolina (40-15) spent most of the game battling back from an early 4-1 hole. The Gamecocks did strike first on an Abigail Knight RBI single, but a pair of two-run homers in the second inning by Kennedy Powell and Mya Perez off South Carolina starter Sam Gress quickly erased the lead.

From there it was a story of the Gamecocks getting within arm’s length, but not being able to fully close the gap. Karley Shelton homered in the third and a run off a fielder’s choice in the fourth made it 4-3, only for a two-error bottom half of the fourth to lead to two Texas A&M runs. Quincee Lilio responded with a lead-off home run in the fifth inning off the scoreboard in right field, but it was four straight innings with a single run for the Gamecocks while the Aggies managed to put up crooked numbers.

“I think it’s just how to handle our emotions a little bit better,” Gress said on what her team learned this week. “It’s just having a next pitch mentality, especially in the circle. I thought we gave them a lot of momentum early on, and didn’t really take a punch at it.”

And finally, the hammer blow came in the fifth inning. Texas A&M ended the game early with a six-run fifth inning to clinch the contest on the run rule. KK Dement’s three-run double moved the Aggies to the brink, and then in what felt like the only way the game could have ended, the game-clinching run scored on an error after a ground ball to second base ended up in shallow right field.

Now the question is all about the NCAA Tournament. South Carolina should be more than secure as top-16 seed and a regional host. By any possible metric from RPI to strength of schedule to conference wins, the Gamecocks are comfortably one of the 16 best teams in the country and should expect to host a regional at Beckham Field next weekend.

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“We have to carry ourselves liike we belong if we want to want to be at the top of this league,” Chastain Woodard said. “It’s just lessons learned that will I think serve us well as we start postseason next weekend, and then future teams as well. I think that’s a really key piece for me as we continue to build the program. These lessons will carry team to team.”

But the question of if South Carolina has done enough to get a top-eight national seed — and thus would host all of its postseason game up until the Women’s College World Series — remains in the air. The Gamecocks had the No. 7 RPI entering play Thursday, but a 13-11 conference record falls a little bit below the usual standard of a top-eight national seed.

With no more games left to play and nothing to do but cross their fingers, Chastain Woodard got her final pitch in for the selection committee.

“The facts are the facts,” she said. “We have 17 Quad I wins. That is I believe tied for second in the country. Personally I think that that’s the most important thing when you’re deciding 1-8 and who is going to be able to host a super. There is no arguing that, we earned all 17 of those. And I think we have 23 top-50 wins. No quad III losses, no quad IV losses.”

Chastain Woodard also talked about her team’s bold non-conference scheduling, lining up March series against Duke and Texas Tech with a 5-1 record across the two weekends.

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“We went five for six there,” she continud.”They can’t argue that, and I think that shoudl n something when looking at our resume. Especially for a team and program which, let’s just be honest, people didn’t have much expectation for. It was something we didn’t py much attention to. They earned it. I think we have a really valid argument for a top-eight seed.”

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House ethics committee investigating SC Republican for alleged overbilling

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House ethics committee investigating SC Republican for alleged overbilling


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.

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

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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!

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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

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Bombing of Iran could mean South Carolinians paying more for gas


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  • 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.

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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.

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“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.

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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.

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“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.

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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.

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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:

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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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