After falling to LSU 86-80, Saturday, the Gamecocks have now lost consecutive games following a stretch where they had won six of seven. The back-to-back losses came against quality opponents and South Carolina can find itself right back in the NCAA Tournament discussion with a strong finish.
As Frank Martin pointed out in his press conference, Monday, the Gamecocks have already stacked up some good victories, “We’ve got enough quality wins, we’ve just got to win games …. What we can’t afford, at this time of year, is a losing streak …. but road wins, who we’ve beaten, we’ve just got to pile up more wins as we come down the stretch.”
The next opportunity for the Gamecocks to improve their case comes against Georgia, Wednesday. South Carolina has already handled the Bulldogs once this season, 75-59, back on Feb. 12th. But Georgia has played better recently, knocking off Auburn and Vanderbilt last week. For his efforts, Bulldogs forward Anthony Edwards was named the SEC Freshman of the Week for the third time this season.
Martin knows slowing Edwards will be a key in getting back on the winning track, “We’re going to get a big time shot from him, Wednesday. We’ve got to be prepared for a very, very aggressive, very good player, and figure out a way to neutralize that as best we can.”
One of the players that may be tasked with guarding Edwards, forward Jalen McCreary, is now “full go,” according to Martin, and he expects McCreary to have two days of full-speed practice in preparation for the Georgia game.
Wednesday’s game at the Colonial Life Arena between the Bulldogs and Gamecocks is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. and will be broadcast on the SEC Network.
Frank Martin press conference
