South Carolina will host Georgia on Thursday night for its final regular season home game of the year.
After falling to Mississippi State last week, the Gamecocks dropped to No. 5 in the SEC standings. Wins in their final two regular season games as well as a strong showing in the SEC Tournament could help South Carolina earn a higher seed in the NCAA Tournament. As long as there are no major changes, the Gamecocks should return to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2004, but their place in the bracket remains uncertain.
Seniors forwards Michael Carrera, Laimonas Chatkevicius and Mindaugas Kacinas will be playing their final game at Colonial Life Arena. Carrera is the leading scorer for South Carolina with 14.5 points per game. The forward also has the most rebounds and blocks on the team.
Kacinas has also had a strong senior campaign, averaging 9.8 points per game. The Lithuanian native has a total of 155 rebounds and 13 blocks.
Chatkevicius has been an aid to the Gamecocks as well, with 9.4 points per game. He’s recorded 130 rebounds and 27 blocks.
The Gamecocks lost to conference rival Georgia earlier in the season, with the Bulldogs claiming the 69-56 victory in their own territory. The Gamecocks have had more success at home this year, currently standing at 15-1 in Colonial Life, with their only loss coming against Kentucky. On the road, they have gone just 4-5.
Sealing a final home win Thursday will hopefully give the Gamecocks some momentum as they head to Arkansas and into the postseason.