South Carolina is gearing up for another significant non-conference test as it welcomes Virginia Tech to Columbia for the ACC/SEC Challenge on Tuesday night. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. on SEC Network, and GamecockCentral will be courtside with full coverage.
1. Another Early Test — Can the Gamecocks Rise to the Moment?
So far this season, South Carolina (5-2) has handled the teams it should beat. But questions remain about whether this group can knock off an opponent closer to its level. Tuesday night provides the next major checkpoint.
The Gamecocks’ losses to Butler and Northwestern—both top-50 KenPom squads—prove how costly lapses can be. Virginia Tech may sit at No. 76 on KenPom, but it remains a dangerous opponent.
The Hokies opened the season with six straight victories, including notable wins over Providence and Colorado State, before dropping back-to-back games to Saint Mary’s and VCU. Their slide in the rankings doesn’t erase their threat level.
South Carolina has history on its side: wins over Virginia Tech in each of the last two seasons, including a 79-77 thriller in Charlotte (2023) and a 70-60 victory at the Fort Myers Tip-Off. But both teams look dramatically different now, and Mike Young’s rebuilt roster brings new challenges.
This one is tough to predict.
2. Gamecocks Must Break Out of Their Shooting Slump
If there’s one trend that simply cannot continue, it’s the Gamecocks’ cold streak from deep.
South Carolina has shot under 30% from three-point range in four straight games. For a team built on perimeter scoring, that’s a major red flag.
The looks are there — open shots, clean catch-and-shoot opportunities — but the conversions simply haven’t followed.
For SC to get back on track, it starts with leading scorer Meechie Johnson, though he isn’t the team’s most efficient three-point shooter statistically. Bench threats Grant Polk and Nordin Kapic, both over 40% from deep, could be critical spark plugs.
If the Gamecocks rediscover their outside game, the momentum shift could be dramatic.
3. Can South Carolina Catch Virginia Tech on an Off Night?
Just as the Gamecocks need to shoot better, they’ll also be hoping the Hokies stay stuck in their own slump.
Virginia Tech averages 82.6 points per game, but hasn’t reached 70 during its last two outings. Shooting numbers have dipped: 44% vs VCU, 31% vs Saint Mary’s, and just 23% from three against the Gaels (7-for-30).
The Hokies bring balance, with five players averaging double figures. Their biggest weapons:
- Amani Hansberry — 15.4 points, 7.3 rebounds
- Tobi Lawal — 12.8 points, 10.3 rebounds
South Carolina is still searching for consistency in the paint, meaning this matchup inside could decide the game. Someone in garnet will need to step up.
Tip-off at 7 p.m. — and all eyes are on whether the Gamecocks can deliver under pressure once again.
