South Carolina at Missouri: Three things to watch for scouting the opponent and injury report

South Carolina won its first SEC game on Saturday. If it wins on Tuesday, that’s two in a row. If it wins one on Saturday, that’s called a winning streak. It has happened before.

After breaking a 13-game losing streak with an 84-69 win over Texas, the Gamecocks (11-16, 1-13 SEC) will face No. 14 Missouri in CoMo on Tuesday night. Tip-off is at 9 p.m. on ESPNU.

Here are three things to watch for, an opponent scouting report on the Tigers, plus the latest injury report.

Replicate what worked last time

South Carolina was able to handle Texas in the manner it did because of how well it played in various aspects of the game. The Gamecocks were great defensively as they held the Longhorns to 22 points in the first half and held everyone besides Tre Johnson to single-digit points on the night.

It’s going to be tough to do that against a Missouri team that is top-four in the SEC in scoring, field goals, and three-pointers. The Tigers are averaging a little over 80 points per game in conference play, which makes it a real challenge for South Carolina. But there are other ways it can help itself in this one.

[Join GamecockCentral: $1 for 7 days]

The Gamecocks did a great job of limiting their own mistakes with only eight turnovers, two of which came in the first half. They also went to the free throw line a lot and made 34 of their 45 attempts. The real key will be to minimize the turnovers. Missouri only turns it over 10.7 times per game and forces 14.5 turnovers on defense. That could make things tough.

CMB still needs to take over but others have to step up too

South Carolina was at its best on Saturday when Collin Murray-Boyles took matters into his own hands. The sophomore forward went for 16 points on 7-of-14 shooting in just the first half. He was also fantastic on defense with three blocked shots. All of them were highlight-reel plays, too.

That’s the type of player that needs to show up on Tuesday night. He’s the heart and soul of the team and gives them a chance when he can play to his full potential. At the same time, though, he’s going to need more help around him.

In addition to Murray-Boyles, the Gamecocks received quality performances from Morris Ugusuk and Zachary Davis, who combined for 22 points on 6-of-8 shooting on Saturday. Jamarii Thomas also had 15 points, but he only made one shot and 12 of his points came via free throws.

So if Murray-Boyles can play the way he’s capable of doing, plus some others contribute, South Carolina could have a chance to play spoiler in CoMo.

The reunion game

During the offseason, South Carolina and Missouri, intentionally or not, coincidentally swapped players. Josh Gray, who played with the Gamecocks for three years, transferred to Missouri. While Jordan Butler transferred to South Carolina after spending one season with the Tigers.

So far this season, Gray has started in 14 of 26 games and averaged 3.2 points with a team-high 5.1 rebounds per game. He’s been averaging 15.5 minutes per game with Missouri.

Butler hasn’t played a ton for South Carolina this year, but he’s been seeing more time on the floor as of late. After playing 13 minutes against LSU last Tuesday, he was on the court for 15 minutes against Texas and made some big plays. He knocked down one three-pointer and blocked two shots.

It’s not a huge storyline, but it’s something noteworthy as the two teams face off on Tuesday.

Scouting the opponent

For a full look into Texas, click here to read Resume Check: Looking ahead to South Carolina baskeball’s next opponent, the Missouri Tigers.

Injury report

For South Carolina: Myles Stute is OUT (blood clot).

For Missouri: Trent Burns is QUESTIONABLE.

Win tickets to Senior Day, South Carolina-Kentucky women’s basketball game

Game details

Who: South Carolina (11-16, 1-13 SEC) at No. 14 Missouri (20-7, 9-5 SEC)

When: Tuesday, Feb. 25 at 9 p.m.

Where: Mizzou Arena (15,061)

How to watch/listen: ESPNU/107.5 The Game

ESPN gives South Carolina a 16.5 percent chance to win

Discuss South Carolina basketball on The Insiders Forum!