Just to let y'all know, that Clempsun loss (SCAR's last game/over a week ago) was the biggest dagger in the heart ever for SCAR. They had beaten Clempsun 4 times straight and were in great position to make it 5 until they choked. Clempsun (to their credit) hit one of the most clutch 3 pointers I have ever seen to win the game at the buzzer in OT. Until that game, SCAR was 20-0 at the O-dome under Odom. That loss really really hurt.
As I stated, they have not played since. Will they be pissed off and crush USF? Will they come out flat as a 13 year old's chest? Who knows...I wish I did so I could cash the ticket. Just wanted to emphasize that (1) SCAR got their heart ripped out last game; and (2) as IE said...this could be a bad spot for them with the trip to KS coming up.
Anyway, best of luck to all...and F*ck the Titans who mooked up my teaser last night with that Music City nightmare sh*t they tried with 8 secs left...SOOOOOOO typical....here is a c&p from a SCAR site...
Hoops Breakdown: USC-South Florida
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Adam Carver
GamecockCentral.com Staff
What: South Florida (5-3) vs. South Carolina (4-1)
Where: Colonial Center, Columbia, S.C.
When: Tuesday, Dec. 14, 7:30 p.m. (EST)
Television: None
Series record: Series tied, 1-1
Just over a week after losing a heartbreaker in overtime to in-state rival Clemson, the South Carolina men's basketball team will take the court against the University of South Florida.
Last Time Out: On Saturday, November 4th, USC fumbled away a 12-point second-half lead to lose in overtime, 63-62, to Clemson. Point guard Tre' Kelley led all scorers with 22 points, while shooting 3-5 from behind the arc.
Rocky Road Ahead: South Carolina now stands at 4-1 in non-conference play with only four non-conference games remaining. However, the final four games should be anything but a breeze. On December 18, the Gamecocks travel to Kansas to face Wayne Simien and the highly touted Kansas Jayhawks. Again on the 29th, USC will head north to face NBA prospect Chris Taft and the Pittsburgh Panthers. The Gamecocks hope to gain some momentum against underdog USF.
Probable starters: South Carolina
G - Tre' Kelley (Soph., 6-0, 182, 11.2 PPG, 2.6 APG)
G - Josh Gonner (Sr., 6-3, 182, 5.4 PPG, 2 APG)
F - Tarence Kinsey (Jr., 6-7, 184, 11.2 PPG, 3.4 RPG)
F - Carlos Powell (Sr., 6-7, 225, 16.2 PPG, 6.2 RPG)
F - Brandon Wallace (Soph., 6-9, 195, 7.2 PPG, 4.6 RPG)
Coach - Dave Odom (4th Season, 61-43)
Probable Starters: South Florida
G - Marlyn Bryant (Sr., 6-3, 210, 6.3 PPG, 2.1 APG)
G - Brian Swift (Sr., 5-10, 165, 16.1 PPG, 5.4 APG)
G - James Holmes (Jr., 6-2, 195, 8.8 PPG, 2.1 RPG)
F - Terrence Leather (Sr., 6-9, 225, 19.0 PPG, 8.6 RPG)
C - Solomon Jones (Jr., 6-10, 220, 8.0 PPG, 8.0 RPG)
Coach - Robert McCollum (2nd Season)
Backcourt Breakdown
South Carolina: USC's strength, without a doubt, lies in their backcourt. All five starters could comfortably play at least one of the backcourt positions. Tre' Kelley is coming off a career game in which he torched the nets for 22 points in their overtime loss against Clemson. Small forward Carlos Powell is averaging over 16 points per game this season and is a double threat to score in the lane and from the outside. A big key to this game will be the offensive production of Josh Gonner. Gonner has been struggling early on, but a breakout game should get him out of the slump. USC also has swingman Renaldo Balkman and JUCO Transfer Rocky Trice available off the bench.
South Florida: If Brian Swift gets hot, South Carolina may be in for a very long day. Swift has shot 40 percent from beyond the arc this season. South Carolina's defense has looked outstanding this season, however, and shouldn't allow Swift to get too many open looks. Marlyn Bryant isn't a big threat to score, so the Gamecocks can afford to put more pressure on Swift if needed. USF is outmatched in terms of backcourt depth as well.
Advantage: South Carolina
Frontcourt Breakdown
South Carolina: The only thing that sticks out when you look at USC's frontcourt is that it really doesn't exist. This stands true for the starting lineup anyways. The Gamecock's starting lineup does not lack height with three starters standing taller than 6-foot-7, but the only true post players they have on the roster are Paulius Joneliunas and John Chappell. South Carolina will be inferior to almost every team they play in post skills, but in most cases it shouldn't be a problem. All five starters run the floor just as well as any five do in the SEC. Wallace, Powell, Kinsey, Balkman and Chappell should be able to handle the paint just fine as a unit.
South Florida: Terrence Leather leads the Bulls' offensive push and carries most of the scoring load. If the game stays close and he stays out of foul trouble, expect Leather to play all 40 minutes. He is very similar to Brandon Wallace in stature and style of play and shouldn't give the Gamecocks too much trouble on the defensive end. The Bulls have more height than the Gamecocks with center/forward Solomon Jones measuring 6-foot-10, but still lack a center that would be able to dominate USC's interior.
Advantage: South Carolina
Final Prediction
USC 63, USF 51
