South Carolina secured another significant victory against a top-10 opponent, this time clinching a 63-59 win over No. 5 Tennessee on the road this Tuesday. This triumph marked the Gamecocks’ first road victory over a top-5 opponent since their success against No. 3 Kentucky on March 2, 1997.
In the preceding week, South Carolina (18-3, 6-2 SEC) had defeated Kentucky by 17 points at home and continued their winning streak with a victory over Missouri.
This string of successes propelled South Carolina ahead of Tennessee in the SEC standings, positioning them just half a game behind Alabama for the top spot in the conference during Year 2 of the Lamont Paris era.
The Gamecocks’ guard, Ta’Lon Cooper, played a pivotal role, scoring 18 points, supported by BJ. Mack’s 16 points, while Myles Stute’s four critical free throws in the final 25 seconds sealed the upset.
Tennessee (15-5, 5-2) entered the game with an unblemished 10-0 home record but succumbed to their first home defeat in this matchup. The Vols had entered the week with an impressive record, winning 11 of their last 12 games.
Dalton Knecht of Tennessee recorded his sixth game with at least 25 points, amassing 31 for the Vols. Knecht joined an exclusive list as only the second SEC player in the last 19 seasons to achieve this feat, following South Carolina’s Devan Downey.
Despite being predicted to finish last in the preseason SEC media poll, South Carolina has emerged as a genuine SEC contender.
Sitting at 18-3 overall and trailing Alabama by just 0.5 games for first place in the conference, the Gamecocks are well-positioned for Selection Sunday. Coach Lamont Paris is receiving praise for the team’s turnaround, making him a strong candidate for SEC Coach of the Year.
South Carolina’s recent domination of Kentucky was followed by a remarkable road victory, challenging the prevailing trend of top-5 teams being nearly unbeatable at home this season. The Gamecocks’ impressive performance further solidified their status as not just an NCAA Tournament team but a formidable threat in the SEC.
Tennessee’s Dalton Knecht continues to shine, putting up numbers not seen in the SEC for nearly two decades. His consistent scoring prowess, recording his sixth 25+ point game and fifth 30+ point game, positions him as a standout player. Despite this loss, Knecht remains a strong contender for Player of the Year honors.
The Gamecocks’ resounding win over Tennessee on the road, even with their leading scorer Meechie Johnson contributing only three points, showcased South Carolina as a genuine threat in the SEC. As they aim to sustain this level of play in the coming weeks, their victory over the Vols serves as a powerful statement.
