South Carolina Visits South Florida in Nonconference Finale

TAMPA, Fla. (Interstat) — The fifth-ranked South Carolina Gamecocks look to close their nonconference schedule with momentum when they visit the South Florida Bulls on Thursday night at the Yuengling Center.

South Carolina (10-1) enters on a four-game winning streak, including a dominant 95-55 victory over Penn State last Sunday. The Gamecocks’ lone loss was a two-point defeat to then-Texas on Nov. 27.

The Bulls (6-5) aim to rebound from an 87-58 road loss to Vanderbilt on Monday. South Florida has faced a tough schedule, with notable wins over Duke and Harvard but losses to ranked opponents Connecticut and UCLA.

A key matchup will feature South Carolina’s standout forward Joyce Edwards against South Florida’s backcourt leader Stefanie Ingram. Edwards is averaging 22.5 points over her last six games, including a 29-point, 5-assist, 4-block performance against Penn State. Ingram scored 23 points in the loss to Vanderbilt and had a season-high 27 points in the Bulls’ upset of Duke on Nov. 20.

The Gamecocks have overwhelmed most opponents, winning nine games by 25 or more points. Their offense, averaging 86.5 points, is powered by Edwards, guard Ta’Niya Latson (18 points, 8 assists vs. Penn State) and Raven Johnson.

South Florida, averaging 70.5 points, will need a strong defensive effort and efficient scoring from Ingram to challenge the Gamecocks. The Bulls are 4-1 at home this season.

This is the final nonconference tune-up for both teams before league play begins in January. South Carolina opens Southeastern Conference action Jan. 1 against Alabama. South Florida begins American Athletic Conference play Jan. 3 against North Texas.

Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. EST.