COLUMBIA — The strength of the SEC has tossed South Carolina a lifeline.
The Gamecocks’ season may not have ended after all, despite a 72-68 loss to Arkansas on March 12 in the first game of the SEC Tournament. Despite a 12-20 record, despite a 2-16 league record, USC could still be playing in the postseason next week.
The NIT changed its rules for this season, announcing in October 2024 that “exemptions” will be granted to 16 teams for this year’s tournament. They include guaranteed invitations for the top two teams from the SEC and ACC that are not invited to the NCAA Tournament.
e NIT changed its rules for this season, announcing in October 2024 that “exemptions” will be granted to 16 teams for this year’s tournament. They include guaranteed invitations for the top two teams from the SEC and ACC that are not invited to the NCAA Tournament.
As it stood after the first day of the SEC Tournament, the only three teams of the 16-team SEC projected to not be in the NCAA Tournament are Texas, LSU and South Carolina, with Texas playing in the SEC Tournament on March 13. If Texas wins, it’s likely in the NCAA Tournament, giving LSU and South Carolina NIT bids.
Sources close to the South Carolina end of the situation have told The Post and Courier that the Gamecocks will accept the invitation if offered.
