In a stunning upset, the South Carolina Gamecocks (South Carolina) toppled the Mississippi State Bulldogs (Mississippi State) 97-89, handing the Bulldogs their second consecutive loss. The eight-point margin belies the extent of the upset, as the Gamecocks, ranked 110th in the NET, defeated the Bulldogs, ranked 90th. This loss drops Mississippi State from the top 90 in the NET rankings, while South Carolina's victory propels them up the rankings.
The 98-point total and 85-point second-half score indicate a high-scoring affair, with both teams combining for 45 points in the first half and 52 in the second. South Carolina's 46-39 first-half lead proved to be the catalyst for the upset, as the Gamecocks maintained their advantage throughout the second half, ultimately securing a convincing victory.
Meechie Johnson and Mike Sharavjamts spearheaded the Gamecocks' offense, combining for 42 points and 9 assists. Johnson's well-rounded performance included a team-high 21 points, 5 rebounds, and 9 assists, shooting 45.5% from the field and 80% from the free throw line. Sharavjamts was equally effective, scoring 21 points on 75% shooting from the field and 80% from the free throw line, while also contributing 5 assists.
Kobe Knox provided a spark off the bench, scoring 17 points on 75% shooting from the field and 100% from the free throw line. His 2 three-pointers were particularly notable, as he connected on all four of his attempts from beyond the arc. Knox's defensive presence was also evident, as he blocked a shot and contributed to the Gamecocks' overall defensive effort.
Quincy Ballard's performance was a mixed bag, as his 15 points and 10 rebounds provided a spark for Mississippi State, but ultimately proved insufficient in the face of South Carolina's onslaught. His efficiency at the free-throw line was a concern, as he converted only 3 of his 6 attempts.
Josh Hubbard's 13 points were hindered by a dismal shooting night, as he connected on just 20% of his field goal attempts and 17% of his three-point attempts. Despite his 4 assists, his overall impact on the game was limited by his inability to consistently find his shot. Jayden Epps' 13 points came primarily from the perimeter, but he was held scoreless in the paint and failed to contribute in other areas, leaving his overall performance feeling somewhat one-dimensional.
Ja'Borri McGhee's performance was a marked departure from his season averages, with his scoring and assists both exceeding his typical output by significant margins. His 12 points represented a 45.7% increase from his season average, while his 7 assists were nearly 134% higher than his average. Conversely, McGhee's rebounding output fell short of his season average, a notable drop from his typical mark. This dichotomy highlights McGhee's tendency to elevate his scoring and playmaking, but also underscores his vulnerability on the glass.
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Final
The pre-game prediction, which favored Mississippi State by 4.9 points, proved to be a misjudgment of the game's true dynamics. South Carolina's convincing 8-point victory over the Bulldogs suggests that the model underestimated the Gamecocks' ability to elevate their performance on the court. This discrepancy raises questions about the factors that contributed to the decisive outcome.
A closer examination of the in-game statistics reveals two key areas where South Carolina's superior performance made the difference. Firstly, the Gamecocks' surge in effective field goal percentage (eFG%) to 66.1% was a significant departure from their season average of 51.0%. This indicates a marked improvement in their shooting efficiency, which allowed them to capitalize on scoring opportunities and maintain a lead throughout the game. Secondly, South Carolina's 50.0% three-point shooting percentage was a substantial boost from their season average of 31.0%, further contributing to their scoring prowess and ultimately deciding the outcome.
The outcome of this contest has significant implications for both programs' NCAA Tournament resumes. South Carolina's victory at a Quad 3 opponent, coupled with its current NET ranking of #110, will likely bolster its chances of securing a lower seed in the tournament. A 2-10 record against Quad 1 opponents and 1-6 mark against Quad 2 opponents may still be a concern, but the win at a higher- tier opponent will help alleviate some of that damage. Mississippi State, on the other hand, will likely be looking at a lower seed or potentially even being on the bubble due to its loss at a Quad 2 opponent. The Bulldogs' NET ranking of #90, combined with a 2-9 record against Quad 1 opponents and a 3-3 mark against Quad 2 opponents, will make it difficult for them to overcome this setback in the tournament selection process. The margin between a competitive seed and a one-and-done appearance will be razor-thin for Mississippi State.