COLUMBIA – Just when it seemed like South Carolina’s basketball season had come to an abrupt end, the Gamecocks may have found a surprising postseason lifeline thanks to new NIT selection rules and the overall strength of the SEC this season.
Despite a 72-68 loss to Arkansas in the first round of the SEC Tournament on March 12, and an unimpressive 12-20 overall record (2-16 in SEC play), South Carolina remains in the running for an NIT invitation due to an exemption granted to the top two non-NCAA Tournament teams from both the SEC and ACC.
With just three SEC teams—Texas, LSU, and South Carolina—currently projected to miss the NCAA Tournament, the Gamecocks could land an NIT bid depending on Texas’ performance in the SEC Tournament and their final placement in key ranking metrics.
According to sources close to the team, South Carolina will accept an NIT bid if extended.
🔎 How Is This Possible? The NIT’s Changing Selection Process
Historically, the NIT did not select teams with a losing record, though there was never an official rule against it. However, the tournament’s format changed drastically in 2024, shifting toward securing high-profile matchups and increasing TV ratings.
As part of this new selection process, the top two SEC and ACC teams not invited to the NCAA Tournament receive automatic exemptions. This is a direct response to declining NIT viewership and an effort to boost interest in the event.
The SEC has had a historically dominant season, with 13 of its 16 teams projected to make the NCAA Tournament, according to ESPN bracketologist Joe Lunardi. This leaves just Texas, LSU, and South Carolina in NIT contention, depending on Texas’ results in the SEC Tournament.
🏀 The Texas Factor: Why the Longhorns Hold the Key
The biggest factor in determining South Carolina’s fate is Texas’ SEC Tournament matchup against Texas A&M on March 13.
- If Texas wins, the Longhorns likely secure an NCAA Tournament berth, leaving LSU and South Carolina as the SEC’s top NIT candidates.
- If Texas loses, then it comes down to a ranking battle between Texas, LSU, and South Carolina using six key metrics:
- ESPN Basketball Power Index
- Kevin Pauga Index
- NET ranking
- KenPom rating
- Strength of Record
- Torvik ranking
Since Texas currently ranks higher in most of these, South Carolina’s bid could hinge on how those final rankings settle after the SEC Tournament.
📌 What’s Next for South Carolina?
Under normal circumstances, the Gamecocks would already be conducting end-of-season meetings and shifting focus to next year’s roster and recruiting. However, with spring break in full swing, the team is in limbo until the NIT field is finalized on March 16.
The Gamecocks want to play if invited, and even if star sophomore forward Collin Murray-Boyles decides to sit out to prepare for the NBA Draft, the team will accept the bid.
Murray-Boyles, a projected NBA draft pick, has yet to announce whether he will return to South Carolina next season. While he is expected to go through the NBA Draft process, he has not ruled out a return. If he does elect to begin pre-draft training early, he will not participate in the NIT, but his college eligibility would remain intact.
Regardless of Murray-Boyles’ decision, the rest of the team is committed to finishing the season if given the opportunity.
🏆 The Impact of South Carolina’s Women’s Team on Hosting an NIT Game
The USC women’s basketball team—defending national champions and winners of the SEC regular season and tournament titles—will receive their NCAA Tournament bid on March 16 and host their first two games at Colonial Life Arena (CLA) on March 21-22.
This could impact where and when the men’s team plays if they make the NIT:
- The NIT starts on March 18.
- NIT exemptions guarantee the right to host at least one game.
- If South Carolina gets an NIT home game, it must fit into the scheduling window before CLA transitions for the women’s tournament.
If the women’s tournament schedule allows it, the Gamecocks men’s team could host their first-round NIT game at CLA. Otherwise, they may have to play on the road.
📅 Key Dates to Watch
- March 13: Texas vs. Texas A&M (determines Texas’ NCAA fate and impacts South Carolina’s NIT chances)
- March 16:
- 6 p.m. – NCAA Tournament field announced
- 8 p.m. – Women’s NCAA Tournament bracket released
- March 18-19:
- First Four games for the Women’s NCAA Tournament begin (potentially hosted at CLA)
- First round of the NIT begins
- March 21-22: USC Women’s NCAA Tournament first-round game at CLA
🚨 The Bottom Line: South Carolina’s Season Might Not Be Over Yet
While a first-round SEC Tournament exit seemed to signal the end of South Carolina’s season, the changing landscape of the NIT and the SEC’s dominance have given the Gamecocks an unexpected chance to continue playing.
If Texas makes the NCAA Tournament, South Carolina’s NIT bid is almost certain. If Texas misses out, the Gamecocks will have to beat out Texas or LSU in rankings.
Either way, USC is ready to accept the opportunity if it comes their way—even if Murray-Boyles elects to sit out.
For now, all eyes are on Texas vs. Texas A&M on March 13, which could determine whether the Gamecocks’ season truly continues or if it’s time to officially shift focus to 2025.
