South Carolina Outlasts Mississippi State in High-Scoring Affair
Saturday, February 21, 2026, 1:00 PM ET · Colonial Life Arena
South Carolina Gamecocks 97, Mississippi State Bulldogs 89, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Mississippi State Bulldogs vs South Carolina Gamecocks?
South Carolina Gamecocks beat Mississippi State Bulldogs 97-89 at Colonial Life Arena on February 21, 2026.
Who was favored in Mississippi State Bulldogs vs South Carolina Gamecocks?
Mississippi State Bulldogs were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -115 (about 53% implied). The underdog won.
In a thrilling encounter at the Colonial Life Arena, the South Carolina Gamecocks triumphed over the Mississippi State Bulldogs with a final score of 97-89. This victory marks an important turnaround for South Carolina, who had been struggling in recent weeks, having lost seven consecutive games prior to this match. With this win, they improved their record to 12-15, while Mississippi State fell to 13-14.
The Gamecocks' recent form has been a cause for concern, as they entered this game with a 1-9 record over their last ten outings, including a streak of seven losses. Their scoring average during this stretch was 70.1 points per game, while they allowed an average of 86.1 points. In stark contrast, Mississippi State had been showing some signs of life, winning their last two games and holding a record of 3-7 over their last ten games, with an average of 74.5 points scored and 81.5 points allowed.
At home, South Carolina had a record of 1-3 in their last four games, while the Bulldogs had struggled on the road with a 1-5 record in their last six away games. Historically, this matchup has favored Mississippi State, as South Carolina had lost both previous meetings in the 2025 season, with scores of 60-65 and 50-85.
In terms of injuries, no specific players were mentioned in the block, indicating that both teams may have had their full rosters available for this crucial game.
The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had Mississippi State as a slight favorite, with a spread of 1.5 points and a total set at 151.5. The odds indicated a competitive matchup, with South Carolina's moneyline at -105.0 and Mississippi State's at -115.0.
The game conditions were not detailed, but the high-scoring nature of the contest suggests that both teams found success in their offensive strategies. South Carolina's ability to score 97 points was a significant achievement, especially considering their recent struggles on the court.
Fans watching the game were treated to a showcase of scoring plays, including key contributions from players like Jordan Butler, who made a notable two-foot dunk, and Mike Sharavjamts, who contributed crucial free throws in the closing moments. The Gamecocks maintained their lead in the second half, highlighted by a series of scoring plays that kept the Bulldogs at bay.
Ultimately, South Carolina's victory not only provided a much-needed boost to their morale but also showcased their potential to compete effectively, even against teams that had previously bested them. This win could serve as a turning point for the Gamecocks as they look to build momentum heading into the remainder of the season.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | MSST -1.5 | 151.5 o -115 / u -105 | Mississippi State Bulldogs -115 · South Carolina Gamecocks -105 |
Leaders
- PointsMeechie Johnson21South Carolina Gamecocks
- AssistsMeechie Johnson9South Carolina Gamecocks
- ReboundsMeechie Johnson5South Carolina Gamecocks
- PointsQuincy Ballard15Mississippi State Bulldogs
- AssistsJa'Borri McGhee7Mississippi State Bulldogs
- ReboundsQuincy Ballard10Mississippi State Bulldogs
Recent form
South Carolina Gamecocks
Last 10: 1-9Streak L770.1 scored · 86.1 allowed per game1-3 at home
- L62-76at Florida GatorsFeb 18
- L75-89at Alabama Crimson TideFeb 15
- L59-78vs Missouri TigersFeb 7
- L75-84at Texas LonghornsFeb 4
- L87-92vs LSU TigersJan 31
- L48-95vs Florida GatorsJan 29
- L69-92at Texas A&M AggiesJan 24
- W85-76vs Oklahoma SoonersJan 21
- L67-71at Auburn TigersJan 17
- L74-108at Arkansas RazorbacksJan 15
Mississippi State Bulldogs
Last 10: 3-7Streak W274.5 scored · 81.5 allowed per game2-2 away
- W91-85vs Auburn TigersFeb 19
- W90-78at Ole Miss RebelsFeb 14
- L64-73vs Tennessee VolunteersFeb 12
- L68-88vs Arkansas RazorbacksFeb 7
- L79-84at Missouri TigersJan 31
- W80-66at LSU TigersJan 29
- L56-88vs Vanderbilt CommodoresJan 24
- L68-88at Texas A&M AggiesJan 22
- L67-68vs Ole Miss RebelsJan 18
- L82-97vs Alabama Crimson TideJan 14
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Florida | 27-8 | - | 16-2 |
| Arkansas | 28-9 | 3 | 13-5 |
| Alabama | 25-10 | 3 | 13-5 |
| Vanderbilt | 27-9 | 5 | 11-7 |
| Tennessee | 25-12 | 5 | 11-7 |
| Texas A&M | 22-12 | 5 | 11-7 |
| Georgia | 22-11 | 6 | 10-8 |
| Kentucky | 22-14 | 6 | 10-8 |
| Missouri | 20-13 | 6 | 10-8 |
| Texas | 21-15 | 7 | 9-9 |
| Auburn | 22-16 | 9 | 7-11 |
| Oklahoma | 21-16 | 9 | 7-11 |
| Mississippi State | 13-19 | 11 | 5-13 |
| Ole Miss | 15-20 | 12 | 4-14 |
| South Carolina | 13-19 | 12 | 4-14 |
| LSU | 15-17 | 13 | 3-15 |
Box score
| Stat | Mississippi State Bulldogs | South Carolina Gamecocks |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 31-69 | 31-56 |
| Field goal % | 45 | 55 |
| Three-pointers | 10-33 | 12-24 |
| Three-point % | 30 | 50 |
| Free throws | 17-30 | 23-27 |
| Free throw % | 57 | 85 |
| Rebounds | 37 | 32 |
| Offensive rebounds | 15 | 4 |
| Defensive rebounds | 22 | 28 |
| Assists | 15 | 20 |
| Steals | 5 | 4 |
| Blocks | 0 | 2 |
| Turnovers | 6 | 6 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 8 | 9 |
| Fast-break points | 18 | 6 |
| Points in the paint | 38 | 34 |
| Fouls | 21 | 24 |
| Largest lead | 6 | 13 |
| Lead changes | 1 | 1 |
| Time in front | 17 | 77 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half60-68Ja'Borri McGhee makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half60-69Meechie Johnson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half60-70Meechie Johnson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half61-70Jamarion Davis-Fleming makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half61-71Meechie Johnson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half61-72Meechie Johnson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half63-72Jamarion Davis-Fleming makes layup (Ja'Borri McGhee assists)
- 2nd Half63-73Jordan Butler makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half65-73Quincy Ballard makes 1-foot alley oop dunk (Ja'Borri McGhee assists)
- 2nd Half65-75Mike Sharavjamts makes 0-foot tip in layup
- 2nd Half68-75Sergej Macura makes 22-foot three point jumper (Ja'Borri McGhee assists)
- 2nd Half68-76Meechie Johnson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half68-77Meechie Johnson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half71-77Josh Hubbard makes 25-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half72-77Quincy Ballard makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half73-77Quincy Ballard makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half73-78Meechie Johnson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half73-79Meechie Johnson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half73-80Mike Sharavjamts makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half73-81Mike Sharavjamts makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half73-83Kobe Knox makes driving layup
- 2nd Half75-83King Grace makes driving layup
- 2nd Half76-83King Grace makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half76-86Jordan Butler makes 24-foot three point jumper (Mike Sharavjamts assists)
- 2nd Half76-89Eli Ellis makes 24-foot three point jumper (Mike Sharavjamts assists)
- 2nd Half79-89Josh Hubbard makes 26-foot three pointer
- 2nd Half80-89Jamarion Davis-Fleming makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half80-90Mike Sharavjamts makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half80-91Mike Sharavjamts makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half80-92Mike Sharavjamts makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half80-93Mike Sharavjamts makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half82-93Ja'Borri McGhee makes driving layup
- 2nd Half83-93Ja'Borri McGhee makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half83-95Jordan Butler makes 2-foot dunk (Mike Sharavjamts assists)
- 2nd Half85-95Josh Hubbard makes driving layup
- 2nd Half87-95King Grace makes 3-foot dunk
- 2nd Half88-95King Grace makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half88-96Mike Sharavjamts makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half88-97Mike Sharavjamts makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half89-97Josh Hubbard makes free throw 1 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours South Carolina Gamecocks, below favours Mississippi State Bulldogs.
Venue
- Colonial Life ArenaColumbia, SC
- Attendance10265
- OfficialsAnthony Jordan, Chuck Jones, K.B. Burdett Jr.
Elsewhere
- Carson Crawford, No. 46 in '27 class, commits to Arizona St.
- Tennessee's Ralph Scott to have knee surgery, out at least 6 months
- Men's NCAA basketball 2026-27 Way-Too-Early Top 25 rankings
- Transfers, recruits and roster moves for key men's NCAA basketball teams
- Michigan 5-star freshman Brandon McCoy Jr. (knee) to miss season
- With $6.5 million left on deal, UCLA fires AD Martin Jarmond