South Carolina is 5-1 in the SEC after beating 16th ranked Auburn 80-77.
Despite a tough loss to LSU, the Gamecocks are off to a very hot start in conference play and are currently second in the SEC. Chris Silva led South Carolina in their win last night with 32 points, 14 rebounds, and four blocks. That is the most points a South Carolina player has scored since Sindarius Thornwell put up 44 points against Alabama in 2017.
If I have anything to take away from this start, it’s that this team is working together extremely well compared to the beginning of the season. I say that because now the veterans of this team are performing well along with the newcomers.
Silva was the driving force last night shooting 91 percent. Hassani Gravett also has been clutch the last few games and has improved immensely since last year. Gravett finished with 13 points and six assists last night, which isn’t even his best performance in conference play.
Freshman Keyshawn Bryant has looked like a seasoned veteran with his dunks. I think he is the second best dunker in the county besides Zion Williamson. It seems like every game Bryant has made a ridiculous dunk, including his insane left-handed dunk through three defenders last night. AJ Lawson has also emerged as a promising point guard despite fouling out last night.
This team has so much more potential than people first thought and they have beaten two ranked teams already. This team is going to be the most confusing team for bracketologists to rank, but if they continue winning in the SEC, they will be in the big dance.
South Carolina’s schedule doesn’t get any easier from here. They will face Oklahoma State in the SEC/BIG12 challenge on Saturday and will continue conference play on January 29th against top-ranked Tennessee. They will then go on the road and face Georgia and Kentucky in a four day span.
The Gamecocks can make a statement by getting a win over Tennessee at home or Kentucky on the road. If they win at least one of those, they will gain the attention of the national media and will be a team to beat in the SEC.