College Basketball Showdown: South Carolina Dominates in a High-Scoring Clash Against South Carolina State
In a thrilling display of offensive firepower, the South Carolina Gamecocks secured a commanding 95-70 victory over the South Carolina State Bulldogs on December 22, 2025, in Columbia, S.C. But here's where it gets interesting: while the final score suggests a lopsided contest, the game was far from a walk in the park, with both teams showcasing moments of brilliance. Could this be a turning point for the Bulldogs, or is South Carolina simply too strong at home?
Leading the charge for the Gamecocks were Myles Stute and Mike Sharavjamts, each contributing 15 points in a performance that highlighted their versatility. Stute’s efficiency was on full display as he connected on 4 of 7 shots, including three 3-pointers, while pulling down seven rebounds. Sharavjamts, meanwhile, was nearly perfect, sinking 5 of 6 shots and converting all five of his free throws. South Carolina’s dominance at the foul line was a key factor, with the team making an impressive 31 of 36 attempts.
The Gamecocks’ bench also played a pivotal role, with Grant Polk and Elijah Strong each scoring 13 points, and Kobe Knox adding 11 points along with five assists. This balanced attack underscores South Carolina’s depth, a critical asset as they improve to 7-1 at home and 8-4 overall. Is this the year South Carolina makes a deep tournament run?
For the Bulldogs, Jayden Johnson stood out with a game-high 23 points on 10-for-15 shooting, including two 3-pointers and six assists. Noah Treadwell added 17 points, knocking down five 3-pointers, while James Morrow chipped in 13 points before fouling out. Despite their efforts, South Carolina State struggled to close the gap, falling to 0-11 on the road and 1-13 overall. Are the Bulldogs destined for a turnaround, or is this season a rebuilding year?
A pivotal moment came late in the first half when Stute’s 3-pointer gave South Carolina a 30-19 lead, their largest of the half. While Johnson’s jumper briefly narrowed the deficit to 36-31, Polk’s back-to-back 3-pointers ignited a 10-2 run that put the Gamecocks firmly in control, leading 46-33 at halftime. The Bulldogs never recovered, trailing by at least 11 points for the remainder of the game.
Looking ahead, South Carolina will host Albany on December 30, while South Carolina State faces a daunting challenge at No. 20 Tennessee on the same day. Which team will rise to the occasion?
As the season heats up, don’t miss out on the latest polls and updates. Sign up for AP Top 25 alerts here: https://www.apnews.com/newsletters. And for more college sports coverage, check out AP college football and college football hub.
What’s your take? Is South Carolina a legitimate contender, or do the Bulldogs have what it takes to turn their season around? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
