Live updates: South Carolina basketball vs. Western Kentucky
South Carolina hits the hardwood looking for some good momentum heading into Christmas.
The Gamecocks will try and snap a two-game losing streak Thursday night at 7 p.m. when they take on Western Kentucky.
GamecockCentral is on hand for the game providing live updates.
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Follow along with live updates here.
GAME INFORMATION
Matchup: South Carolina vs. WKU (Gamecocks lead all-time series, 7-1)
Time: Dec. 22 at 7 p.m.
Venue: Colonial Life Arena (18,000)
TV: SEC Network
Radio: 107.5 The Game
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TIPOFF NOTABLES from South Carolina media relations
> A New Chapter of Gamecock Men’s Basketball is underway with first-year head coach Lamont Paris this season.
> Paris, who has been a part of nine NCAA Division I Tournaments and 17 twenty-win seasons as a college head and assistant coach, was named the University of South Carolina’s 33rd head coach by Director of Athletics Ray Tanner on Thursday, March 24, 2022.
> This new-look Gamecock squad features eight new players (four transfers and four freshman) headlined by standout freshman forward Gregory “GG” Jackson II, the highest rated recruit in program history (recruit rankings started in early 2000s). He joined former Carolina standout PJ Dozier (2015-17) as the only five-star signees in program history.
> Jackson II is currently one of two freshmen in the country averaging at least 17.0 points and 6.5 rebounds per game. Alabama’s Brandon Miller (19.3 points, 8.7 rebounds) is the only other player on the list. Jackson’s 17.0 points per game average is second nationally amongst freshmen behind only Miller (through games played Dec. 20).
> The Gamecocks are hosting the Hilltoppers for the first time since Dec. 2, 2009, a 74-56 win at CLA.
> Western Kentucky comes into Thursday night’s contest the fourth-best, 3-point shooting team in the nation at 42.3 percent. The Hilltoppers also rank 25th in assist per game (16.9) and third in blocks per game (6.1).
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> Jamarion Sharp, a 7-5 senior center, leads the country in blocks (46) and blocks per game (4.6).
> Luke Frampton, a transfer from Davidson, is fourth nationally in three-point percentage (54.4 percent).
GRINDIN’ IT OUT
> After trailing by three, 44-41, with just over 12 minutes to go, South Carolina took control thanks to a 14-0 run over a 6-minute stretch to defeat Presbyterian, 68-57, on Sunday, Dec. 11. The Gamecocks moved to 4-0 at home with the win. Freshman GG Jackson led the way again with 18 points on 6-of-12 shooting. Junior Meechie Johnson added 16 points while graduate transfer Hayden Brown had 14 points. The Gamecocks are 2-0 when the trio scores in double figures. Junior big Josh Gray added valuable minutes off the bench with a team-high seven rebounds in 21 minutes of action.
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ROAD DAWGS
> Carolina bounced back from a tough road loss to start its two-game D.C. road swing with a 74-71 overtime victory at Georgetown (Dec. 3). Meechie Johnson made the go-ahead, 3-point basket with 25 seconds to go. He had a career day with 17 points, eight assists and seven rebounds – all career highs. GG Jackson scored a team-high 22 points (9-for-19 FGs), all coming in the second half after going 0-for-5 the first 20 minutes. The Gamecocks trailed by 11 at the half. In the second half and overtime, South Carolina combined to shoot 20-of-37 (54.1 percent) from the field. The Gamecocks were 15-for-21 (71.4 percent) on 2-point shots in the second half and overtime combined. It was the team’s first true road win and first win away from Colonial Life Arena this season.
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HOME SWEET HOME
> The Gamecocks snapped a three-game skid with a big comeback victory at home, 68-53, over USC Upstate on Black Friday (Nov. 25). Trailing by three at halftime, Carolina dominated the final 20 minutes, outscoring the Spartans 40-22 in the second half. The Gamecocks shot 58.1 percent (18-for-31) in half two. Freshman sensation Gregory “GG” Jackson II scored a career-high 22 points with an efficient 8-for-14 shooting day, including 3-of-6 shooting from behind the arc. Carolina was shorthanded, missing two starters in Chico Carter Jr. and Meechie Johnson. Sophomore Jacobi Wright and freshman Zachary Davis started in their place. Wright had 10 points and Davis had seven points and four rebounds. Davis and Jackson in the starting five marked the first time since Nov. 30, 2018 two freshmen cracked the starting lineup (Keyshawn Bryant and AJ Lawson) for Carolina.
