Imagine starting a basketball game by missing your first 19 three-point attempts. Sounds like a recipe for disaster, right? But here's where it gets intriguing: South Carolina did just that against The Citadel on December 13, 2025, and still managed to pull off a 71-55 victory. This game was a masterclass in resilience and late-game execution, proving that sometimes, it’s not how you start but how you finish that matters.
In a matchup that kept fans on the edge of their seats, the Gamecocks (7-3) overcame their frigid shooting start thanks to a second-half surge led by Meechie Johnson. Johnson, who scored 14 of his 19 points after halftime, was the catalyst for South Carolina’s turnaround. His back-to-back three-pointers, along with Grant Polk’s timely shot from beyond the arc, gave the Gamecocks a 55-47 lead with just under seven minutes remaining. And this is the part most people miss: it wasn’t just Johnson’s scoring that made the difference—it was his ability to draw fouls and convert a crucial three-point play that sealed the deal.
Supporting Johnson were Mike Sharavjamts with 14 points and Kobe Knox with 12, showcasing South Carolina’s balanced offensive effort. Meanwhile, The Citadel’s Carter Kingsbury led all scorers with 18 points, shooting an impressive 8-of-14 from the field. But the Bulldogs (3-8) struggled to keep pace, shooting just 37% from the field and a dismal 11% from three-point range. Their 0-8 record against Division-I opponents this season raises questions about their ability to compete at this level. Here’s a thought-provoking question: Is The Citadel’s poor three-point shooting a temporary slump or a systemic issue that needs addressing?
South Carolina’s shooting wasn’t much better early on, finishing 3-of-23 from three-point range overall. However, their 42% field goal percentage and a dominant final 10 minutes—where they shot 9-of-14—highlighted their ability to adapt under pressure. The Gamecocks’ defense also played a key role, forcing The Citadel into difficult shots and limiting second-chance opportunities.
Looking ahead, The Citadel will aim to bounce back when they face Charleston on Wednesday, while South Carolina heads to Clemson on Tuesday in what promises to be a heated rivalry game. But here’s the controversial part: With South Carolina’s inconsistent shooting and The Citadel’s struggles against Division-I teams, are either of these squads truly contenders this season? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
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