South-Carolina
South Carolina women's basketball hosting major Easter visitors
South Carolina women’s basketball already picked up a commitment from one of the top transfer portal players in the country as former Florida State guard and national scoring leader Ta’Niya Latson signed with the Gamecocks. USC also has been linked to two other big-time transfers. This weekend, both Madina Okot and Gianna Kneepkens made their way to Columbia for visits.
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Okot, a former center from Mississippi State, stands 6-6 and is a double-double machine. Illustrating that point, against Vanderbilt this season, she logged a 21-point, 23-rebound performance. Many viewed South Carolina as the early favorite in the Okot Sweepstakes, but no news surfaced. However, this weekend, Gamecock post players Maryam Dauda and Adhel Tac were spotted walking around downtown Columbia with Okot. She and her USC hosts have documented much of the visit on social media. Having played overseas in Kenya to begin her career, Okot’s remaining eligibility situation is a bit fuzzy.
Kneepkens is a former Utah Ute who is one of the top shooters (and one of the best overall players) in the country. The 6-0 deadeye can play as an off-ball guard or as a true wing. She has taken several visits since entering the transfer portal, and at various times, reports surfaced about her taking a trip to Carolina. On3’s Talia Goodman reported Kneepkens’ visit this weekend, confirming that she would in town on Sunday. She has been to Oklahoma and Texas and plans to visit UCLA, as well. Kneepkens will have one year left to play at the college level.
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With the window for entering the portal closing in a few days and about 30% of transfers already finding new homes, decisions from Okot and Kneepkens–players who have been in the portal for more than two weeks–could come soon. A Gamecock pledge from either player would put USC in a position to challenge for the top portal class in the country despite only having one other commitment. Landing both, though, would erase any doubt.
South Carolina has suffered a bit of transfer portal attrition this offseason, too. Dynamic guard MiLaysia Fulwiley and veteran post player Sakima Walker will play with new teams next year. However, positionally, Latson fills Fulwiley’s spot. If the Gamecocks land a big as planned (Okot or otherwise), she likely would play a larger role than Walker.
As things stand, prior to any additional portal movement, USC has up to four scholarships available. Staley isn’t afraid to leave roster spots open, but the Gamecock head coach has made it clear she would like to improve her team via the transfer portal this offseason.
South-Carolina
Joe Riley’s new memoir shares life leading Charleston for 40 years
Just behind Charleston city hall sits Washington Square Park with its wrought iron gates, live oaks, and a smattering of Spanish moss. This was the city’s official square until 1881.
It’s also the backdrop of former, longtime Charleston Mayor Joe Riley’s new memoir, “Windows on Washington Square,” released Jan. 6th by Evening Post Books.
In a press release, the publisher promises a “rare, first-person account of how Charleston became the city we recognize today.”
Riley was 32 when he first took office on Dec. 15th, 1975. He’d told his wife he’d run for just one term.
But 10 terms later, a total of 40 years, Riley became one of the nation’s longest serving mayors.
He not only helped build the now bustling city but held its hand during intense periods of pain.
Riley’s memoir offers insight into some of Charleston darkest moments; the horror of Hurricane Hugo and the immeasurable grief following the hate-fueled massacre at Mother Emanuel AME Church.
The publisher says the memoir is revealing in “how a city holds itself together when the world is watching.”
The book also shares private moments with Riley’s two sons and his wife Charlotte, a steadfast confidant.
“He’s one of a kind,” said former Columbia Mayor Stephen Benjamin in a statement. “He is the gold standard that so many of us desired to be measured against.”
An official book launch event will be held at the Dock Street Theater later this month.
Now 82, Riley stepped down from office in January of 2016.
South-Carolina
How to watch LSU Tigers: Live stream info, TV channel, game time | Jan. 6
Meechie Johnson Jr. leads the South Carolina Gamecocks (9-5, 0-1 SEC) into a road game against Marquel Sutton and the LSU Tigers (12-2, 0-1 SEC) at Pete Maravich Assembly Center on Tuesday, starting at 7 p.m. ET.
Read below where we dive into all of the info you need to know about this contest, including how to watch on TV.
As college basketball matchups continue, prepare for the outing with what you need to know before Tuesday’s game.
LSU vs. South Carolina: How to watch on TV or live stream
- Game day: Tuesday, January 6, 2026
- Game time: 7 p.m. ET
- Location: Baton Rouge, Louisiana
- Arena: Pete Maravich Assembly Center
- TV Channel: ESPNU
- Live stream: Fubo – Watch NOW (Regional restrictions may apply)
Check out: USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll
Watch college basketball on Fubo!
LSU vs. South Carolina stats and trends
- This season, LSU is posting 87.8 points per game (28th-ranked in college basketball) and surrendering 71.3 points per contest (131st-ranked).
- So far this season, the Tigers are averaging 37.4 boards per game (33rd-ranked in college basketball) and allowing 29.2 rebounds per contest (92nd-ranked).
- This year, LSU ranks 104th in college basketball in assists, dishing out 15.8 per game.
- The Tigers are committing 10.5 turnovers per game (96th-ranked in college basketball) this season, while forcing 10.5 turnovers per contest (289th-ranked).
- This season, LSU is sinking 6.9 treys per game (269th-ranked in college basketball) and is shooting 33.2% (218th-ranked) from downtown.
- The Tigers rank 226th in college basketball with 8.1 three-pointers allowed per game this year. Meanwhile, they rank 183rd with a 33.1% shooting percentage allowed from three-point land.
- LSU is attempting 38 two-pointers per game this season, which account for 64.6% of the shots it has attempted (and 76.9% of the team’s baskets). Meanwhile, it is attempting 20.9 treys per contest, which are 35.4% of its shots (and 23.1% of the team’s buckets).
LSU vs. South Carolina Odds and Spread
- Spread Favorite: Tigers (-7.5)
- Moneyline: LSU (-347), South Carolina (+274)
- Total: 149.5 points
NCAA Basketball odds courtesy of BetMGM Sportsbook. Odds updated Tuesday at 3:31 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.
South-Carolina
SC invests nearly $1M into Darlington pump station upgrade
DARLINGTON COUNTY, S.C. (WPDE) — The City of Darlington received a $957,000 grant from the South Carolina Rural Infrastructure Authority (RIA) to upgrade the Woodcreek Pump Station.
The project eliminates the current station on Country Club Road and will flow to the Woodcreek pump station while it is being renovated.
The city said that this will better serve those who live within the Darlington County Club by utilizing newer technology.
MORE: 6 years later: Memorial march honors fallen Florence airport officer
“This project has been on the City’s radar for quite some time now,” said City of Darlington Public Utilities Director Michael Morris. “The City is very thankful to receive this grant funding. It will be impactful to the residents in the Darlington Country Club, and it will enhance the service in the area.”
The funding is a part of a $23 million investment by the SC RIA to upgrade the state’s capital improvement.
The Woodcreek Pump Station Upgrade project is set to begin construction in 2026.
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