South Carolina Basketball Takes on Florida; What's at Stake for the Gamecocks?

Lamont Paris' Gamecocks are looking to get back in the in column on Wednesday evening. What would a win mean to this team and what could a loss do against the Gators?

South Carolina Gamecocks guard Morris Ugusuk (15) reverses his shot while guarded by Auburn Tigers forward Johni Broome (4) during their SEC Men's Basketball Tournament quarterfinal game at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Friday, March 15, 2024.at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., Friday, March 15, 2024. | Denny Simmons / The Tennessean / USA TODAY NETWORK

With just 11 SEC matchups left on the season, every game matters for a Gamecocks squad who is 2-5 in conference play. On Wednesday South Carolina takes on a top 25 Florida Gators team for the first of two matchups this season. What does a win do for this team and what would a loss do for the season outlook?

The Gamecocks are coming off a tough road loss at the hands of Texas A&M Aggies on Saturday. To recap, this was a game Lamont Paris' squad was outmatched in from the start. Finishing the first half on a 19-4 run, the Aggies led 46-25 at the break. A&M's lead was built on a big shooting night from behind the arc. Of their 15 first half made field goals, 12 came from 3-point land as they shot 54.5% from behind the arc the opening 20 minutes

Redshirt senior guard Meechie Johnson was the biggest bright spot on the offensive side for the Gamecocks. Johnson finished with a team-high 26 points. It was his team-leading, fifth 20-point game of the season. He was also 7-of-12 from the floor and a perfect 10-for-10 from the free throw line. He’s made 19-straight free throws dating back to the 2:05 mark of the second half in the team’s win over Oklahoma on Tuesday. However it ultimately wasn't enough as South Carolina fell 92-69.

What a Win Means

Jan 24, 2026; College Station, Texas, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Lamont Paris reacts during the first half against the Texas A&M Aggies at Reed Arena. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images | Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images

Last season South Carolina finished the season 12-20 with a 2-16 record in SEC play. So far, the team has already matched their SEC win total from last year and are a game away from doing the same in overall record. A win versus Florida would give the Gamecocks their first top 25 win since the 2023-2024 season, a win over the Gators. It should also give the team a boost with a win over last year's national champs and a NCAA tournament caliber team.

What a Loss Would Mean

More questions. Florida is expected to win this game coming in as the top 25 team, but the last two seasons have not gone well in Columbia. A loss would push the Gamecocks to 11-10 on the season and 1-5 in their last six games. Questions around Lamont Paris' job security, the talent level in Columbia, and the Gamecocks program overall would continue to pick up steam with a loss on Wednesday.

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