NO. 7SOUTHCAROLINA
Record: 26- 10. Coach: Frank Martin, fifth season, 9673 ( career: 213- 125). Starting five: G P. J. Dozier, G Duane Notice, G Sindarius Thornwell, FMaik Kotsar, F Chris Silva.
Why the Gamecocks will win: It’s not just about Thornwell, although the SEC Player of the Year— 6- 5 and strong as all get- out— seems to find the ball in his hands on every crucial possession. The most impressive thing about Martin’s team is how hard it plays at both ends of the court, at all times. The focus is so intense, it seems to drain opponents mentally. That’s why this is such a good secondhalf team.
Why the Gamecocks will lose: It’s going to be the challenge of 6- 10 freshman Kotsar’s career to stay out of foul trouble against Karnowski and Collins. Also, about that 33.7 percent shooting from three- point range this season? It’s not good.
Prediction: Martin will burn with the fury of a thousand suns.