Chris Beard, speaking on Jan. 27 after beating South Carolina in front of 14,142 fans at Colonial Life Arena, expects the Gamecocks to still be alive in mid-March.
“I think they’re an NCAA Tournament team,” the Texas Tech coach said following the No. 14 Red Raiders’ 70-63 win.
USC (13-8) entered Saturday’s game with a chance to grab its third win against a team ranked among the top 50 of the RPI. It was coming off an upset victory at Florida and wasn’t far removed from topping the other SEC power, Kentucky, at home.
The Gamecocks, as a No.