The South Carolina Gamecocks men’s basketball team will open the 2017-18 season on the road against the Wofford Terriers on Friday.
South Carolina is coming off of an unprecedented 26-11 record combined with the school’s first-ever Final Four appearance.
Meanwhile, Wofford looks to build upon last season’s 16-17 finish that ended with a loss to UNC-Greensboro in the semifinal round of the SoCon tournament.
This matchup will mark the third consecutive season that Wofford has opened play against an SEC opponent. In the previous two seasons, Wofford was defeated by Missouri (83-74) and LSU (91-69); however, the Terriers were visitors in both matchups.
Frank Martin’s team should be prepared for a raucous atmosphere as Wofford is set to open its brand-new Jerry Richardson Indoor Stadium when the Gamecocks come to town.
The multi-purpose facility has a capacity of 3,300 and a sellout is expected for the venue’s debut.
Players to Watch
Chris Silva (South Carolina)
Silva is the only returning South Carolina player to average more than 10 points per game last season.
His size, strength, and intelligence were instrumental in South Carolina’s Final Four run.
Although Wofford has a more than formidable presence in the paint, Silva will be the most talented big man on the floor in this game.
Look for Silva to be eager to replicate the success of late last season and ascend into a leadership role as an inside force for the Gamecocks.
Fletcher Magee (Wofford)
Fletcher Magee can score the basketball. It is as simple as that.
The 6-4 junior guard from Orlando has averaged double-digits in scoring since arriving on the campus of Wofford.
Magee is a pure shooter who has averaged above 40 percent from three-point range and just over 90 percent from the charity stripe during his time with the Terriers.
After averaging 13.8 points per game during his freshman year and 18.6 points per game during his sophomore season, Magee will look to continue his outstanding production and possibly cross the 20 points per game mark to become one of the highest scorers in college basketball.
How South Carolina Can Win
As always, for South Carolina, it starts with defense.
Martin’s team should expect Wofford to play a quick tempo and come out firing as many SoCon teams do.
The Gamecock defense will need to lock down the high-scoring tandem of Magee and Jackson to prevent a quick start from Wofford.
If Silva and company are able to effectively stop Wofford, then that’ll give the offense time to grow into the game and impose their physical style on the Terriers.
How Wofford Can Win
Wofford needs to score consistently from the opening tip in order to win this game.
The combination of Magee and fellow Preseason All-SoCon forward Cameron Jackson averaged over 20 points per game last season. If those two players continue last year’s hot shooting, South Carolina could be in for a tough matchup.
Another key factor for Wofford will be getting to the free throw line.
Last season, the Terriers ranked 5th in the nation in team free-throw shooting percentage (78.7%).
Wofford’s guards should look to drive the paint often in hopes of scoring or ending up at the stripe.
Game Details
Date: November 10
Time: 7 p.m. EST
TV: ESPN3
Who will win this game on November 10?
- Wofford (56%, 5 Votes)
- South Carolina (44%, 4 Votes)
Total Voters: 9
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