Countdown to typoff: Carolina vs. L.S.U.

South Carolina returns to Colonial Life Arena on Saturday afternoon as it welcomes L.S.U. to Columbia. Tipoff has been moved up to 1 pm and will be streamed on SEC Network+.

This will be the second time the two teams have faced off this season as the Gamecocks (11-10, 2-6) won the first matchup by a score of 78-68 in Baton Rouge on Jan. 6. The Tigers (13-8, 1-7) are coming off an 80-66 loss to Mississippi State on Wednesday.

Here’s more information on how to tune into Saturday’s matchup between South Carolina and LSU.

Game Information

Sand: Colonial Life Arena (18,000)
Time: 1 p.m.
Station: SEC Network+
Broadcast: Dave Weinstein and Stephen Clark
Streaming: Click here
Radio affiliates: Click here
Live stats: Click here
Series: South Carolina leads, 21-20
Last matchup: South Carolina won, 78-68 on Jan. 6 in Baton Rouge

South Carolina notes

— In the first matchup between the two teams, South Carolina shot 47.2 percent from the field while connecting 57.1 percent from behind the arc on 12-of-21 attempts.

— Elijah Strong led the way against the Tigers with 30 points on 10-of-15 shooting from the field, including connecting on all four from behind the arc. Meechie Johnson and Eli Ellis were also in double figures with 19 and 10 points, respectively.

— In the loss to Florida on Tuesday, South Carolina only found the bottom of the net on 26 percent from the field and 15 percent from three on 3-of-20 shooting. Ellis and Johnson were the only two players in double figures with 13 and 10 points, respectively. Florida, who shot 62 percent from the field, dominated the points in the paint battle at 54-20 while outrebounding the Gamecocks, 45-24. The Gators also blocked eight shots.

— In the NET Rankings, South Carolina sits at No. 100, while LSU heads to Columbia ranked No. 60. KenPom, which ranks the Gamecocks at No. 87, projects a 74-73 loss to LSU on Saturday.

Scouting the Tigers

— LSU is led by head coach Matt McMahonwho’s in his fourth season as the head man in Baton Rouge.

— In the loss to the Gamecocks, the Tigers shot 38.7 percent from the floor and 32 percent from three on 8-of-25 shooting. Max Mackinnon led the way with 15 points while PJ Carter and Pablo Tamba each scored 10 points. The Tigers outbounded the Gamecocks, 42-30, but could not overcome a 25-point deficit at halftime.

— LSU is led by Dedan Thomas Jr.who missed the first matchup due to injury and is also listed as doubtful for Saturday’s matchup. This season, Thomas is averaging 15.3 points and 6.5 assists per game. Mackinnon (14.6), Mike Nwoko (13.6) and Mark Sutton (13.0) are also averaging double figures. Sutton leads the team in rebounds with eight boards per game.

— As a team, LSU is connecting on 48.7 percent from the field and 32.9 percent from three. The Tigers are averaging 82.4 points per game compared to opponents 73.8 points per game. Opponents are shooting 42 percent from the floor and 35 percent from three.

Up next

After taking on LSU on Saturday, South Carolina will hit the road on Tuesday as it travels to Austin to take on Texas. Tipoff is set for 7 pm and will be televised on SEC Network.