The South Carolina Gamecocks, with a 11-13 overall record and 2-9 conference record, face an uphill battle as they travel to Coleman Coliseum to take on the 17-7 Alabama Crimson Tide, who boast a 7-4 conference record. Alabama's strong 5-6 Quad 1 record and 7-1 Quad 2 record have positioned them as a projected top-4 seed in the tournament, while South Carolina's 1-7 Quad 1 record and 1-6 Quad 2 record have left them needing quality wins to build a tournament resume. With Alabama riding a wave of momentum, having won 4 of their last 5 games, including a recent 3-game winning streak, they want to capitalize on their home-court advantage and extend their winning streak.
Alabama's 74.5 Possessions Per Game Pace is Among the Fastest in the Nation
The game is scheduled to take place on February 14, 2026, at 7:00 PM ET at Coleman Coliseum, with the broadcast available on the SEC Network.
The South Carolina Gamecocks have struggled to find consistency this season, with a 5-game losing streak currently plaguing their campaign. Their 112 NET ranking and 1-7 Quad 1 record have made it challenging for them to gain traction in the tournament conversation. However, they have shown flashes of brilliance, particularly in their 9-0 record against Quad 4 opponents, where they have outscored their opponents by an average of 15.6 points per game. With a conference record of 2-9, the Gamecocks must pull off a significant upset to turn their season around.
Key Matchups
The Alabama Crimson Tide, on the other hand, have been impressive, with a 17-7 overall record and 7-4 conference record. Their 21 NET ranking and 5-6 Quad 1 record have solidified their position as a top contender in the SEC. Alabama's recent form has been strong, with a 4-1 record in their last 5 games, including a 3-game winning streak. Their Quad 2 record of 7-1 is also a reflection of their ability to perform well against tough opponents, with an average margin of victory of 12.1 points per game in these matchups.
The matchup between Alabama and South Carolina will be a clash of styles, with Alabama's high-powered offense, averaging 82.1 points per game, facing off against South Carolina's stingy defense, which has allowed just 71.4 points per game. Alabama's pace of 74.5 possessions per game will also be a challenge for the Gamecocks, who average 69.2 possessions per game. The Crimson Tide's ability to dominate the glass, with a +4.5 rebounding margin, will also be a significant factor in the game. With Alabama's 44.7% field goal percentage and 37.5% 3-point percentage, they want to exploit South Carolina's defense, which has allowed opponents to shoot 43.1% from the field and 35.1% from 3-point range.
CHD Scout Prediction
South Carolina
73
Alabama
93
For Alabama, players like Brandon Miller, who is averaging 18.5 points and 8.2 rebounds per game, and Jaden Bradley, who is contributing 12.1 points and 4.5 assists per game, matters in the matchup. Meanwhile, South Carolina will rely on the likes of Gregory Jackson II, who is averaging 15.6 points and 6.3 rebounds per game, and , who is scoring 12.5 points per game. With no notable player momentum data available, it will be interesting to see which players can step up and make a significant impact in the game.
Tournament Stakes
The CHD Scout prediction favors Alabama by 19.8 points, with a 94.1% win probability. This prediction is based on Alabama's strong performance this season, particularly at home, where they have a 12-1 record. The Crimson Tide's ability to dominate the glass and their high-powered offense will likely be too much for the Gamecocks to handle.
A win for Alabama would further solidify their position as a top-4 seed in the tournament, while a loss would be a significant setback. For South Carolina, a win would be a much-needed quality victory, boosting their tournament resume and potentially propelling them into the bubble conversation. However, with their current 112 NET ranking and 1-7 Quad 1 record, the Gamecocks have a long way to go to become a serious tournament contender. This game is classified as a Quad 1 opportunity for South Carolina and a Quad 3 game for Alabama, making it a high-stakes matchup for both teams.