Game Preview: Charleston Southern at South Carolina

COLUMBIA, S.C. (Interstat) — The South Carolina Gamecocks look to rebound from a pair of narrow losses when they host the surging Charleston Southern Buccaneers in a nonconference men’s basketball matchup on Friday, Nov. 28, 2025, at Colonial Life Arena.

South Carolina (4-2) enters the contest following a tough 79-77 home loss to Northwestern on Nov. 23. Elijah Strong led the Gamecocks with 16 points, while Mike Sharavjamts added 12 points and eight rebounds. The defeat was South Carolina’s second in a row after falling 79-72 to Butler on Nov. 21.

Charleston Southern (5-3) arrives with momentum, having won three straight games. The Buccaneers are coming off a 93-81 home victory over Piedmont on Nov. 25, powered by a 25-point, 8-assist performance from Brycen Blaine. Their current win streak includes a 77-65 road win at East Carolina.

The Gamecocks will need to contain a potent Buccaneers offense that has averaged 89.6 points during its three-game winning streak. South Carolina’s defense, which allowed an average of 79 points in its two recent losses, will be tested.

This in-state matchup presents a contrast in recent fortunes, with the Buccaneers seeking a statement road win and the Gamecocks aiming to regain their footing at home before a challenging stretch of their schedule.