South Carolina Faces Arkansas in SEC Tournament Clash

Nashville, Tenn. — South Carolina and Arkansas are set to clash in the first round of the SEC Tournament on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, at Bridgestone Arena. The Gamecocks, seeded 16th, aim to improve their season record as they face the 9th-seeded Razorbacks, who finished the regular season with a 19-12 record.

Despite their contrasting records, South Carolina enters the matchup with momentum after defeating Arkansas 72-53 in their last meeting on March 1. The Gamecocks are looking for their first SEC Tournament championship, while Arkansas aims for a second title, the last of which they secured in 2000.

Arkansas will be playing without their leading scorers, Boogie Fland and Adou Theiro. As a result, head coach John Calipari will need to rely on other key players to fill the scoring void. The Razorbacks are currently favored by 4.5 points, with the total set at 138.5, according to SportsLine consensus.

In the previous contest, South Carolina’s D.J. Wagner showcased his talent, scoring 35 points and contributing seven rebounds, four steals, and two assists. Wagner’s performance not only led his team to victory but also underscored the struggles that Arkansas faced, as they shot just 28.8% from the field—their lowest percentage of the season. “Our defense played a crucial role in that win, and we need to replicate that intensity,” Wagner said.

Arkansas has demonstrated resilience as of late, posting an 8-3 record against the spread in their last 11 games. This includes high-scoring performances against formidable opponents like Vanderbilt and Mississippi State, where they scored over 90 points in each contest. Key players like a Kentucky transfer are stepping up, averaging over 11 points per game and coming off a standout performance with 24 points against Mississippi State.

Despite their recent scoring success, Arkansas faces challenges against South Carolina’s defense, which allows the fewest rebounds per game in SEC play. The Gamecocks have been effective at limiting opponent scoring opportunities, contributing to their reputation as a strong defensive unit.

As the SEC Tournament unfolds, the matchup between South Carolina and Arkansas promises to be competitive. Fans can look forward to a thrilling game as both teams battle for a spot in the next round. Tip-off is scheduled for 1 p.m. ET, with the winner moving one step closer to the tournament championship.