South Carolina Gamecocks Defeat Oklahoma Sooners 85-76
Tuesday, January 20, 2026, 7:00 PM ET · Colonial Life Arena
South Carolina Gamecocks 85, Oklahoma Sooners 76, 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 Oklahoma Sooners vs South Carolina Gamecocks?
South Carolina Gamecocks beat Oklahoma Sooners 85-76 at Colonial Life Arena on January 20, 2026.
Who was favored in Oklahoma Sooners vs South Carolina Gamecocks?
Oklahoma Sooners were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -142 (about 59% implied). The underdog won.
In a compelling matchup at the Colonial Life Arena, the South Carolina Gamecocks triumphed over the Oklahoma Sooners with a final score of 85-76. This victory is significant as it marks a turnaround for the Gamecocks, who had been on a three-game losing streak prior to this game. Both teams entered the contest with identical records of 11-8, making this clash even more intriguing as they sought to improve their standings in the NCAAB league.
The Gamecocks' recent form had been concerning, with a record of 5-5 over their last ten games, including a disappointing streak of losses. They averaged 76.5 points per game while allowing 71.6 points during this stretch. Their last five games reflected a struggle, with a record of 1-4 and an average score of 72.0 points, while conceding an average of 81.0 points. At home, they had performed slightly better with a record of 4-2, but their overall recent performances left much to be desired.
On the other hand, the Sooners also faced challenges, recording a 5-5 record in their last ten games as well, but they were on a four-game losing streak leading into this contest. They averaged 81.9 points scored while allowing 75.6 points during this period. Their last five games yielded a record of 1-4, with an average of 75.0 points scored and 80.8 points allowed. Their away record of 1-3 highlighted their struggles outside of their home venue.
Historically, the Gamecocks had not fared well against the Sooners, having lost their only previous meeting on January 18, 2025, with a score of 62-82. This added an extra layer of motivation for South Carolina as they looked to even the score in front of their home crowd.
In terms of injuries, the block does not provide specific details, but it is often a crucial factor in determining team performance, particularly in tight matchups like this one.
The betting market had priced Oklahoma as 2.5-point favorites according to DraftKings, with a total set at 150.5 points, reflecting expectations of a competitive game. The moneyline offered the Gamecocks at +120 and the Sooners at -142, indicating a slight edge for Oklahoma.
The conditions in the arena were conducive to a high-scoring affair, with both teams having strong offensive capabilities, as evidenced by their scoring averages. Fans were treated to a thrilling game that saw multiple lead changes and close scoring throughout.
Key moments in the game included a series of free throws by Meechie Johnson in the second half, which helped solidify the Gamecocks' lead as they pulled away late in the game. Johnson's contributions were pivotal, and his ability to convert from the charity stripe was crucial in maintaining the Gamecocks' advantage.
As the game progressed, the Sooners attempted to close the gap, with notable plays from Nijel Pack and Tae Davis, but ultimately, South Carolina's resilience and home-court advantage proved decisive. The Gamecocks' victory not only snapped their losing streak but also provided a much-needed boost in confidence as they move forward in the season.
Overall, this matchup was a testament to the competitive nature of college basketball, showcasing the importance of home support and the ability to overcome previous defeats. The Gamecocks will look to build on this momentum, while the Sooners will need to regroup and address their ongoing struggles.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | OU -2.5 | 150.5 o -110 / u -110 | Oklahoma Sooners -142 · South Carolina Gamecocks +120 |
Leaders
- PointsMeechie Johnson20South Carolina Gamecocks
- AssistsMike Sharavjamts5South Carolina Gamecocks
- ReboundsKobe Knox7South Carolina Gamecocks
- PointsXzayvier Brown22Oklahoma Sooners
- AssistsNijel Pack5Oklahoma Sooners
- ReboundsDerrion Reid7Oklahoma Sooners
Recent form
South Carolina Gamecocks
Last 10: 5-5Streak L376.5 scored · 71.6 allowed per game4-2 at home
- L67-71at Auburn TigersJan 17
- L74-108at Arkansas RazorbacksJan 15
- L70-75vs Georgia BulldogsJan 10
- W78-68at LSU TigersJan 7
- L71-83vs Vanderbilt CommodoresJan 3
- W96-67vs UAlbany Great DanesDec 30
- W95-70vs South Carolina State BulldogsDec 22
- L61-68at Clemson TigersDec 17
- W71-55vs The Citadel BulldogsDec 14
- W82-51vs Stetson HattersDec 6
Oklahoma Sooners
Last 10: 5-5Streak L481.9 scored · 75.6 allowed per game1-3 away
- L81-83vs Alabama Crimson TideJan 17
- L79-96vs Florida GatorsJan 14
- L76-83at Texas A&M AggiesJan 10
- L53-72at Mississippi State BulldogsJan 8
- W86-70vs Ole Miss RebelsJan 3
- W93-69vs Mississippi Valley State Delta DevilsDec 30
- W107-54vs Stetson HattersDec 23
- W89-67vs Kansas City RoosDec 17
- W85-76at Oklahoma State CowboysDec 13
- L70-86at Arizona State Sun DevilsDec 7
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 | Oklahoma Sooners | South Carolina Gamecocks |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 27-63 | 27-55 |
| Field goal % | 43 | 49 |
| Three-pointers | 5-27 | 9-20 |
| Three-point % | 19 | 45 |
| Free throws | 17-22 | 22-28 |
| Free throw % | 77 | 79 |
| Rebounds | 35 | 36 |
| Offensive rebounds | 12 | 9 |
| Defensive rebounds | 23 | 27 |
| Assists | 12 | 16 |
| Steals | 8 | 7 |
| Blocks | 9 | 3 |
| Turnovers | 11 | 12 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 10 | 18 |
| Fast-break points | 15 | 11 |
| Points in the paint | 36 | 34 |
| Fouls | 18 | 20 |
| Largest lead | 0 | 14 |
| Lead changes | 0 | 0 |
| Time in front | 0 | 99 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half49-56Kobe Knox makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half49-59Grant Polk makes 23-foot three point jumper (Kobe Knox assists)
- 2nd Half50-59Tae Davis makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half51-59Tae Davis makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half51-62Meechie Johnson makes 26-foot three point jumper (Elijah Strong assists)
- 2nd Half53-62Mohamed Wague makes layup (Tae Davis assists)
- 2nd Half54-62Mohamed Wague makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half54-63Meechie Johnson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half54-64Meechie Johnson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half56-64Tae Davis makes layup
- 2nd Half57-64Kirill Elatontsev makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half57-67Kobe Knox makes 23-foot three point jumper (Mike Sharavjamts assists)
- 2nd Half58-67Tae Davis makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half58-69Elijah Strong makes driving layup
- 2nd Half60-69Derrion Reid makes 1-foot dunk (Tae Davis assists)
- 2nd Half61-69Nijel Pack makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half62-69Nijel Pack makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half62-70Kobe Knox makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half62-72Kobe Knox makes layup (Meechie Johnson assists)
- 2nd Half63-72Xzayvier Brown makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half64-72Xzayvier Brown makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half64-74Meechie Johnson makes layup
- 2nd Half66-74Tae Davis makes layup
- 2nd Half67-74Tae Davis makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half67-75Meechie Johnson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half69-75Xzayvier Brown makes driving layup
- 2nd Half69-76Meechie Johnson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half69-77Meechie Johnson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half71-77Nijel Pack makes 10-foot jumper
- 2nd Half72-77Nijel Pack makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half72-78Meechie Johnson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half72-79Meechie Johnson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half74-79Nijel Pack makes 10-foot step back jumpshot
- 2nd Half74-80Mike Sharavjamts makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half74-81Mike Sharavjamts makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half76-81Tae Davis makes driving layup
- 2nd Half76-82Meechie Johnson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half76-83Meechie Johnson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half76-84Meechie Johnson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half76-85Meechie Johnson makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours South Carolina Gamecocks, below favours Oklahoma Sooners.
Venue
- Colonial Life ArenaColumbia, SC
- Attendance10861
- OfficialsByron Jarrett, Bart Lenox, Owen Shortt
Elsewhere
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- 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