Here’s the good news from South Carolina’s loss to Augusta on Friday night: That’s how the reigning SEC champions began last season.
Yes, Auburn, on its way to a 26-7 record and NCAA Tournament appearance, fell to Division II’s Barry University in an exhibition game.
The Jaguars play on the same level. And opportunities such as Friday’s — whether the contest counts on the record or not — might as well be on a Final Four stage for them.
All that being said, Martin entered 6-0 with the Gamecocks against D-II foes in the preseason.