South Carolina's men's golf team, ranked ninth in the nation by GolfStat, will begin a stretch of four tournaments in four weeks on Friday as they travel to the Seminole Intercollegiate, hosted by Florida State at Southwood Golf Club in Tallahassee, Fla.

The University of Alabama Crimson Tide come from 18 points down to defeat the University of South Carolina basketball team by the score of 68-63 in the first round of the SEC tournament in Nashville.
The loss drops Carolina to 15-16 on the season and all but eliminates them from any hope of an NIT bid.  Plus Coach Darrin Horn is on the record to say that he has no interest in the CBI or CBT, lower tier tournaments, for postseason play.  So it seems this was the final game of the season for USC.
What a miserable way to end the season but also a testament to the season in some fashion.  This season was full of ups and downs. 
The game looked like it was a sure thing for Carolina as guard Ramon Galloway hit 2 free throws at the 12:41 mark of the second half to put USC up 52-34.  I suppose the gamecocks counted their chickens before they hatched....I know bad example.
Soon after getting a comfortable lead the Gamecocks forgot how to score points and man up on defense thus to allow Alabama to get back in the game. During that absence of offensive ability, the Gamecocks lead dwindled from 18 points to just 8.  The USC drought continued, and Alabama kept scoring, taking a 60-59 lead with two minutes to go. The Gamecocks briefly would tie the game 62-62 on a Ramon Galloway three-pointer, but UA closed out the dominant second half performance, outscoring USC 41-25 in the final 20 minutes for the win.
Mikhail Torrance led Alabama in scoring with 17 points.  He got help from Justin Knox and JaMychal Green who finished with 16 and 10 points.
Devan Downey finished with 21 points and 8 rebounds in what will likely be his final collegiate game.  Raley-Ross and Muldrow, who we mentioned earlier needing to step up, did not bring their best performance.  But no blame as this is a shared loss.  Anytime you go from an 18 point lead to losing…well it is the team and coaching at fault.  As it takes a team approach to lie down and let that happen.
Thanks to Devan for the 2009-2010 season.  Sorry your team choked today.  The future looks bright for USC basketball but we will not get into that as this loss sucks.  Not to mention the USC QB getting arrested.
Terrible Thursday for Gamecock Fans!  Where is the re-do button....
BOX SCORE

Alabama (16-14), which spoiled South Carolina’s Senior Day in Columbia last Wednesday, would like to end the 2010 season for South Carolina (15-15) today as the two teams meet in the opening game of the SEC Tournament at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena at 12:05 p.m.
Could this be the last game for Devan Downey?  I sure hope not.
The Gamecocks enter the tournament as the fifth seed in the East Division, but USC the only team in the SEC to defeat the league’s top two teams – Kentucky and Vanderbilt – this season.
South Carolina needs to win its opening round game to secure at least a .500 finish, which it will likely need for an NIT bid.  Correction, it must win this game today.
The Gamecocks need superb play from two people today and that is Devan Downey and Sam Muldrow.  Success starts and ends with them.  Devan needs to get about 25 points today, while “Big” Sam needs to hold his own down low.  He must not let Alabama have easy success on the interior.  The Gamecocks, as normal, will need a third player to bring “surprising play” to the table whether that is Jackson, Galloway or Raley-Ross.  Somebody please step up and provide some points and energy.
This is a pretty good match up – check their RPI here – so it will boil down to heart.  Which team wants this game the most?
Alabama will rely on defense and the Gamecocks must have offense.  USC will need intensity and a hot-hand shooting the ball.
I feel that Carolina knows what is at-stake today and will seize the moment.  I am going to say that Carolina wins this game late due to the play of Devan Downey.  USC by 3-5 points somewhere in the ball park of 73-68.
DYK - USC senior guard Devan Downey needs five steals to pass LSU's Ethan Martin (279) for second place all-time in the SEC. LSU's Clarance Ceasar leads with 310.

University of South Carolina backup quaterback Aramis Hillary is in the Lexington County Detention Center. He was arrested overnight for possession of alcohol by a minor and drunkeness according to the arrest report.
The sophomore quaterback was and still is expected to compete for backup duties this spring and going into the Fall 2010 season.  The North Augusta native was a 2009 Fall Academic Honor Roll member.
Aramis is a good kid and sorry to hear this news as he has so much potential as a dual-threat quarterback.  I am sure Coach Spurrier will review the facts, Aramis will get some PTI and he will be given a short leash by the coaching staff heading into the season.
More details to follow as this is just breaking....
Here is his pic from jail booking and his bond hearing is set for 830am this morning-

University of South Carolina backup quaterback Aramis Hillary is in the Lexington County Detention Center. He was arrested overnight for possession of alcohol by a minor and drunkeness according to the arrest report.
The sophomore quaterback was and still is expected to compete for backup duties this spring and going into the Fall 2010 season.  The North Augusta native was a 2009 Fall Academic Honor Roll member.
Hillary, 19, was arrested with his brother CoCo Hillary, 22. CoCo was charged with driving under the influence and violation of the ABC Act.
Under USC athletic department policy, Aramis will be suspended indefinitely pending resolution of the charges.
Aramis is a good kid and sorry to hear this news as he has so much potential as a dual-threat quarterback.  I am sure Coach Spurrier will review the facts, Aramis will get some PTI and he will be given a short leash by the coaching staff heading into the season.
More details to follow as this is just breaking....
Here is his pic from jail booking and his bond hearing is set for 830am this morning-

*Update - Hillary was released without bond this morning at his hearing.  Future court date has not been set.

University of South Carolina backup quaterback Aramis Hillary is in the Lexington County Detention Center. He was arrested overnight for possession of alcohol by a minor and drunkeness according to the arrest report.
The sophomore quaterback was and still is expected to compete for backup duties this spring and going into the Fall 2010 season.  The North Augusta native was a 2009 Fall Academic Honor Roll member.
Hillary, 19, was arrested with his brother CoCo Hillary, 22. CoCo was charged with driving under the influence and violation of the ABC Act.
Under USC athletic department policy, Aramis will be suspended indefinitely pending resolution of the charges.
Aramis is a good kid and sorry to hear this news as he has so much potential as a dual-threat quarterback.  I am sure Coach Spurrier will review the facts, Aramis will get some PTI and he will be given a short leash by the coaching staff heading into the season.
Even before the arrest there was heavy speculation that Hillary could end up transferring to a school that better suits his style and ability. This could expedite that scenario but who knows.....
More details to follow as this is just breaking....
Here is his pic from jail booking and his bond hearing is set for 830am this morning-

*Update - Hillary was released without bond this morning at his hearing.  Future court date has not been set.

It is nice to see the SEC recognize former Gamecocks basketball star guard Melvin Watson (1994-98), he will be one of 12 former SEC players and coaches to be honored at this years SEC Tournament as “Legends of SEC Basketball,” a program that began in 1999.
Melvin Watson was a four-year letterwinner for the Gamecocks from 1995-98.  The 6-1, 195-pound guard from Charleston, S.C. played in 119 games during his collegiate career, scoring 1,424 points, which still ranks 13th in school history. He was a member of the 1995 SEC All-freshman team.  Watson, a 1997 First-Team All-SEC selection and a 1998 second-team honoree, still ranks as Carolina’s all-time leader in games started (116) with teammate BJ McKie, while he also ranks first in career assists (543) and fourth in steals (194).
During a three-year stretch from 1996-98, the Gamecocks posted an impressive 66-28 record, including a 34-14 mark in the SEC.  Watson helped lead South Carolina to its first SEC championship in 1997. 
He currently is a assistant basketball coach at South Pointe High School in Rock Hill.

The field for this week’s SEC tournament in Nashville is set.
Below you’ll see the full schedule for this week’s action that begins on Thursday at 1pm Eastern with our beloved Gamecocks heading into a rematch game versus the Crimson Tide.
THURSDAY, MARCH 11 (ALL TIMES EASTERN)
1:00 PM – Game 1 (South Carolina vs. Alabama) – SEC Network
3:15 PM – Game 2 (LSU vs. Tennessee) – SEC Network
7:30 PM – Game 3 (Auburn vs. Florida) – SEC Network
9:45 PM – Game 4 (Georgia vs. Arkansas) – SEC Network
FRIDAY, MARCH 12
1:00PM- Game 5 (Kentucky vs South Carolina/Alabama winner) – SEC Network
3:15 PM – Game 6 (Ole Miss vs LSU/Tennessee winner) – SEC Network
7:30 PM – Game 7 (Mississippi State vs Florida/Auburn winner) – SEC Network
9:45 PM – Game 8 (Vanderbilt vs Arkansas/Georgia winner) – SEC Network
SATURDAY, MARCH 13
1:00 PM – Game 9 (Game 5 winner vs. Game 6 winner) – ABC
3:15 PM – Game 10 (Game 7 winner vs. Game 8 winner) – ABC
SUNDAY, MARCH 14
1:00 PM – SEC Tournament Championship Game – ABC
____________
LOHD will have a full preview up Thursday of the USC v 'Bama game but here is a quick look at the two teams ---
West #4 Seed — AlabamaOverall Record:  16-14SEC Record:  6-10Last 8 Games:  3-5RPI:  98SOS:  49Top 50 RPI Wins:  BaylorLosses Outside Top 100 RPI:  Arkansas, AuburnPlaying For:  An NIT bid
East #5 Seed — South CarolinaOverall Record:  15-15SEC Record 6-10Last 8 Games:  2-6RPI:  84SOS:  16Top 50 RPI Wins:  Richmond, Kentucky, VanderbiltLosses Outside Top 100 RPI:  Miami (Fl), Boston College, ArkansasPlaying For:  An NIT bid
Previous Meeting:  Alabama 79, South Carolina 70 in Columbia on March 3rd

The Big South and SoCon are a vital part of South Carolina’s sports tradition. It is always exciting when a instate school does well, and gets some national recognition. Even if Dan Patrick was pretty confused about the location of Wofford College. Which if you are not from South Carolina, I can understand you not knowing that Wofford is located in Spartanburg. The feeling I am getting is Wofford could be a tough out in the NCAA first round. We will have to wait and see who they are paired up against. USC’s and Georgia’s basketball teams can tell you how tough an out they might be. The Terriers defeated the Gamecocks back in December, 68-61 in Spartanburg and defeated the Bulldogs on their own court 60-57. This will be Wofford’s first NCAA tournament appearance and this will be Winthrop’s 9th NCAA appearance.

I can’t remember the last time the State of South Carolina has had three teams in the NCAA tournament. (That is if Clemson doesn’t choke up in the ACC tournament).  

Eagles and Terriers we here at LOHD will be pulling for you next week.

Questions #1) How many players for one team are on the court at one time during a basketball game? Answer 5
Questions #2) How many players did the coaches in the SEC vote first team All SEC? Answer 8.  Did I miss a rule change where the SEC will now allow 8 players on the court for one team at one time, I must have been busy reading Cosmo or something.

I am not sure why the SEC can’t be like every other conference and just vote 5 players first team, 5 players 2nd team and finally 5 players third team All SEC.
Have we backtracked so far from common sense that we have to make sure that every player in the SEC is on some kind of "All Award Team."  Of the 60 regular starters in the SEC, 16 were named to the 1st and 2nd All SEC teams.  In the ACC, only 15 players were named to the first 3 All ACC teams.
Patrick Patterson, you played on a really good team, but do you really deserve to be first team All SEC? The way I see it you played in the shadows of your teammate Cousins all season.

He is my first team All SEC Team

G Devon Downey- USC
G John Wall- UK
C- Wayne Chism- Tennessee
F- Jarvis Varnado- MSU
F- DeMarcus Cousins-UK

The rest of the players on the first team, you just got demoted to 2nd team.

My 2nd problem with the SEC awards is naming Kevin Stallings "SEC Coach of the Year."  Granted he is a good coach, but he did not win his conference and could not beat Kentucky this year. If you are going to give the award to the most deserving coach, you would have to give it to Bruce Pearl for the way he had his team perform after losing a couple key players to off the court problems. Or the SEC could have given it to John Calipari for taking a NIT team last year, to maybe the number 1overall seed in the NCAA tournament this year.

My 3rd problem with the SEC awards. Naming John Wall "SEC Player of the Year," but naming DeMarcus Cousins SEC "Freshman of the year."  If John Wall is the best player in the conference and a freshman, why is he not both POY and FOY?

Awards will always be subject to scrutiny as each voter looks at each situation a little bit differently, but I concerned the SEC coaches have taken the voting to a new level. All I am asking for is a little consistency and some common sense.

Questions #1) How many players for one team are on the court at one time during a basketball game? Answer 5
Questions #2) How many players did the coaches in the SEC vote first team All SEC? Answer 8 If for some reason I missed a rule change where the SEC will now all 8 players on the court for one team at one time, I must have been busy reading Cosmo or something.

I am not sure why the SEC can’t be like every other conference and just vote 5 players first team, 5 players 2nd team and finally 5 players third team All SEC. Have we backtracked so far from common sense that we have to make sure that every player in the SEC is on some kind of All Award Team. Of the 60 regular starters in the SEC, 16 were named to the 1st and 2nd All SEC teams. In the ACC, only 15 players were named to the first 3 All ACC teams. Patrick Patterson, you played on a really good team, but do you really deserve to be first team All SEC. In my option you played in the shadows of your teammate Cousins all season.

He is my first team All SEC Team

G Devon Downey- USC
G John Wall- UK
C- Wayne Chism- Tennessee
F- Jarvis Varnado- MSU
F- DeMarcus Cousins-UK

The rest of the players on the first team, you just got demoted to 2nd team.

My 2nd problem with the SEC awards is naming Kevin Stallings SEC coach of the year. Granted he is a good coach, but he did not win his conference and could not beat Kentucky this year. If you are going to give the award to the most deserving coach, you would have to give it to Bruce Pearl for the way he has his team performed after losing a couple key players to off the court problems. Or the SEC could have given it to John Calipari for taking a NIT team last year, to maybe the number 1overall seed in the NCAA tournament this year.

My 3rd problem with the SEC awards. Naming John Wall Player of the Year, but naming DeMarcus Cousins freshman of the year. If John Wall is the best player in the conference and a freshman, why is he not both POY and FOY.

Awards will always be subject to scrutiny as each voter looks at each situation a little bit differently, but I concerned the SEC coaches have taken the voting to a new level. All I am asking for is a little consistency.

Having not made the annual April trip to the Garnet and Black game, everything to be said is merely a guess, therefore instead of true guesses we can stick with what ifs and maybes. 
What if everything goes according to plan in 2010 for Steve Spurrier and South Carolina? 
Maybe the Gamecocks reach that elusive SEC Championship game.
In all actuality it is much too early to make those predictions or assumptions outside of Florida.  What is safe to make assumptions about is the offense. 
With Marcus Lattimore's announcement, and the return of veteran players as well as a group of young wide receivers full of potential, the sky should be the limit.
However, with Steve Spurrier's traditional pass-first, second, and third offense, what does that mean for Lattimore, Kenny Miles, Jarvis Giles, and Brian Maddox? 
In all fairness Spurrier has made attempts at a running offense as of late, but hasn't had much success behind an offensive line that was more like a SIV than a wall of protection.
With new offensive line coach Shawn Elliott and returning offensive linemen as well as several offensive line recruits, improvement is expected immediately.  Immediate improvement is hard to find, but it isn't exactly a long way to get an improvement from South Carolina's offensive line over the past few seasons.
Steven Garcia, the starter for South Carolina all of last season, may actually be in danger this season.  Nothing but praise has been heaped on true freshman Connor Shaw.  The Flowery Branch, Georgia native is earning fans the fast way.  G.A. Mangus has also stated that there is an open competition between all of South Carolina's quarterbacks.
Garcia and Shaw have the ability to use their legs just as effectively as they use their arms, as does Aramis Hilary, another QB on the roster.  Stephon Gilmore, the defensive back who blistered Clemson in the Wild Cocky offense at quarterback, remains a threat to look for as well.
Those four men, used as quarterbacks to be teamed with Lattimore, Miles, Giles, Maddox, and Patrick DiMarco would make one think that the Gamecock running game will be a nightmare for opposing defenses.  While this may be true, as with past Spurrier offenses, the passing game seems just as scary.
Steven Garcia showed incredible improvement from the '08 season throughout the '09 season.  He was the second leading quarterback in the SEC in 2009.  With Alshon Jeffrey, D.L. Moore, Tory Gurley, and a few other dangerous pass-catchers at his disposal, wouldn't the Gamecocks passing game be the nightmare maker?
The Gamecocks could potentially be an offense to look out for nationally in 2010.  However, on the flip side, they could have a huge clusterbomb on their hands that could get out of control.  That's the scary thing when you have weapons with no true success together in the past. 
Could egos blossom and get in the way? Will everyone unite for the greater good and be true team players?  Will toes get stepped on and grudges be held when depth charts are finalized (as much as they can be in a Spurrier offense)? 
Only time will tell. 
I won't predict a 14-0 national championship, but I won't predict a 3-9 disaster either.
Either way, one thing is certain; 2010 will be interesting for those in the Garnet nation.Read more South Carolina Football news on BleacherReport.com