Tennessee Volunteers Defeat South Carolina Gamecocks 78-59
Tuesday, March 3, 2026, 6:00 PM ET · Colonial Life Arena
Tennessee Volunteers 78, South Carolina Gamecocks 59, 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 Tennessee Volunteers vs South Carolina Gamecocks?
Tennessee Volunteers beat South Carolina Gamecocks 78-59 at Colonial Life Arena on March 3, 2026.
Who was favored in Tennessee Volunteers vs South Carolina Gamecocks?
Tennessee Volunteers were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -625 (about 86% implied). The favorite won.
The Tennessee Volunteers secured a decisive victory over the South Carolina Gamecocks, finishing the game with a score of 78-59 at the Colonial Life Arena. This win highlights Tennessee's strong position as they continue to perform well in the NCAAB season, while South Carolina struggles to find form. Tennessee, with an away record of 21-9, has shown resilience, winning seven of their last ten games, although they are currently on a two-game losing streak. In contrast, South Carolina has faced significant challenges, managing only one win in their last ten outings, resulting in a disappointing record of 12-18 for the season.
In terms of scoring, Tennessee averaged 76.0 points per game in their last ten matches while allowing 69.6 points. South Carolina, on the other hand, averaged 70.3 points scored and a concerning 85.4 points allowed during the same stretch. The Gamecocks' defensive struggles were evident in their recent performances, as they have lost their last two games, including a recent defeat against Georgia Bulldogs, where they lost 68-87.
Tennessee's last five games have seen them score an average of 73.8 points while allowing 67.6 points, showcasing a more balanced performance compared to South Carolina's average of 73.0 points scored and 82.6 points allowed in their last five games. The Volunteers' ability to maintain a stronger defense has been a key factor in their success this season.
Historically, these teams have met once this season, with Tennessee emerging victorious in their previous encounter on March 8, 2025, with a score of 75-65. This latest matchup further solidifies Tennessee's dominance over South Carolina in recent meetings.
In terms of injuries, the block does not provide specific details regarding player availability for either team, but the impact of injuries can often be significant in college basketball. The absence of key players can alter the dynamics of a game, especially in high-stakes matchups like this one.
The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had Tennessee favored by 10.5 points, indicating a strong expectation for their performance against South Carolina. The total points line was set at 141.5, reflecting the anticipated scoring output from both teams. Tennessee's money line was priced at -625, while South Carolina's was considerably higher at +455, underscoring the disparity in perceived strength between the two squads.
The game conditions at the Colonial Life Arena were typical for a late-season college basketball matchup. Fans were likely treated to an energetic atmosphere, with both teams vying for crucial conference standings. As the game unfolded, viewers could watch for Tennessee's offensive efficiency and defensive tenacity, which have been hallmarks of their play this season.
The scoring plays in the second half highlighted Tennessee's ability to capitalize on opportunities, with notable plays including a two-foot dunk by Mike Sharavjamts and a driving layup by Ja'Kobi Gillespie. South Carolina's efforts to close the gap were evident, but they were unable to mount a significant comeback, ultimately leading to their defeat.
In summary, Tennessee's victory over South Carolina not only reflects their current form but also emphasizes the challenges faced by the Gamecocks this season. With a strong away record and a solid performance in this game, Tennessee continues to position themselves favorably as the season progresses.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | TENN -10.5 | 141.5 o -108 / u -112 | Tennessee Volunteers -625 · South Carolina Gamecocks +455 |
Leaders
- PointsMeechie Johnson20South Carolina Gamecocks
- AssistsMeechie Johnson4South Carolina Gamecocks
- ReboundsNordin Kapic4South Carolina Gamecocks
- PointsJ.P. Estrella22Tennessee Volunteers
- AssistsJa'Kobi Gillespie12Tennessee Volunteers
- ReboundsFelix Okpara8Tennessee Volunteers
Recent form
South Carolina Gamecocks
Last 10: 1-9Streak L270.3 scored · 85.4 allowed per game1-4 at home
- L68-87at Georgia BulldogsFeb 28
- L63-72vs Kentucky WildcatsFeb 25
- W97-89vs Mississippi State BulldogsFeb 21
- 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
Tennessee Volunteers
Last 10: 7-3Streak L276 scored · 69.6 allowed per game3-2 away
- L69-71vs Alabama Crimson TideFeb 28
- L69-73at Missouri TigersFeb 25
- W69-65at Vanderbilt CommodoresFeb 21
- W89-66vs Oklahoma SoonersFeb 19
- W73-63vs LSU TigersFeb 14
- W73-64at Mississippi State BulldogsFeb 12
- L71-74at Kentucky WildcatsFeb 8
- W84-66vs Ole Miss RebelsFeb 4
- W77-69vs Auburn TigersFeb 1
- W86-85at Georgia BulldogsJan 29
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 | Tennessee Volunteers | South Carolina Gamecocks |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 33-61 | 18-49 |
| Field goal % | 54 | 37 |
| Three-pointers | 4-14 | 9-27 |
| Three-point % | 29 | 33 |
| Free throws | 8-12 | 14-20 |
| Free throw % | 67 | 70 |
| Rebounds | 34 | 23 |
| Offensive rebounds | 11 | 8 |
| Defensive rebounds | 23 | 15 |
| Assists | 22 | 10 |
| Steals | 9 | 4 |
| Blocks | 1 | 3 |
| Turnovers | 6 | 11 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 12 | 8 |
| Fast-break points | 11 | 7 |
| Points in the paint | 56 | 18 |
| Fouls | 14 | 12 |
| Largest lead | 20 | 0 |
| Lead changes | 0 | 0 |
| Time in front | 98 | 0 |
How the scoring went
- 1st Half37-28Meechie Johnson makes 4-foot pullup jump shot
- 1st Half40-28Ethan Burg makes 23-foot three point jumper (Ja'Kobi Gillespie assists)
- 2nd Half40-31Kobe Knox makes 23-foot three point jumper (EJ Walker assists)
- 2nd Half42-31Felix Okpara makes 2-foot alley oop dunk (Ja'Kobi Gillespie assists)
- 2nd Half42-32Meechie Johnson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half44-32Felix Okpara makes 2-foot alley oop dunk (J.P. Estrella assists)
- 2nd Half44-35Nordin Kapic makes 24-foot three point jumper (Meechie Johnson assists)
- 2nd Half46-35Felix Okpara makes 2-foot alley oop dunk (Bishop Boswell assists)
- 2nd Half46-38Meechie Johnson makes 27-foot three point jumper (Nordin Kapic assists)
- 2nd Half46-40Kobe Knox makes 3-foot alley oop dunk (Meechie Johnson assists)
- 2nd Half48-40J.P. Estrella makes 8-foot hook shot (Amari Evans assists)
- 2nd Half48-42Meechie Johnson makes driving layup
- 2nd Half51-42Bishop Boswell makes 23-foot three point jumper (Ja'Kobi Gillespie assists)
- 2nd Half51-44Meechie Johnson makes 3-foot floating jump shot
- 2nd Half53-44J.P. Estrella makes 2-foot dunk (Ja'Kobi Gillespie assists)
- 2nd Half54-44Amari Evans makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half56-44J.P. Estrella makes 2-foot dunk
- 2nd Half57-44Jaylen Carey makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half57-45Meechie Johnson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half60-45Ethan Burg makes 26-foot three point step back jumpshot
- 2nd Half60-47Meechie Johnson makes 1-foot dunk
- 2nd Half62-47Ja'Kobi Gillespie makes 18-foot pullup jump shot
- 2nd Half62-48Jordan Butler makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half62-49Jordan Butler makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half64-49Felix Okpara makes 12-foot floating jump shot (Ja'Kobi Gillespie assists)
- 2nd Half65-49J.P. Estrella makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half66-49J.P. Estrella makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half66-52EJ Walker makes 23-foot three point jumper (Kobe Knox assists)
- 2nd Half68-52J.P. Estrella makes 2-foot alley oop dunk (Ja'Kobi Gillespie assists)
- 2nd Half70-52J.P. Estrella makes 2-foot dunk
- 2nd Half72-52J.P. Estrella makes layup
- 2nd Half72-53Meechie Johnson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half72-55Mike Sharavjamts makes 2-foot dunk (Meechie Johnson assists)
- 2nd Half74-55Felix Okpara makes 1-foot dunk
- 2nd Half74-56Meechie Johnson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half74-57Meechie Johnson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half76-57Ja'Kobi Gillespie makes driving layup
- 2nd Half76-58Eli Ellis makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half76-59Eli Ellis makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half78-59Amari Evans makes 2-foot dunk
Win probability
Above the line favours South Carolina Gamecocks, below favours Tennessee Volunteers.
Venue
- Colonial Life ArenaColumbia, SC
- Attendance10517
- OfficialsByron Jarrett, Joe Lindsay, Josue Nieves
Elsewhere
- Projecting every Big East team's floor and ceiling for 2026-27
- 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
Picks for NCAAB
NCAAB rules and settlement
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- Gamecocks Edge Volunteers in Thrilling FinishOct 24, 2026