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South Carolina Gamecock Fans Furious After Brutal Loss to Florida Gators
Gamecocks suffer fourth-worst defeat in program history, sparking calls for head coach's firing
Jan. 29, 2026 at 11:47am
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The South Carolina Gamecocks men's basketball team suffered a devastating 95-48 loss to the Florida Gators, marking the fourth-worst defeat in program history. Fans took to social media to express their outrage over the team's poor performance and call for the firing of head coach Lamont Paris.
Why it matters
The Gamecocks' blowout loss has reignited frustrations among the fanbase over the team's struggles this season. After making the NCAA tournament two years ago, South Carolina has plummeted to the bottom of the SEC standings, leading many to question whether Paris is the right coach to turn the program around.
The details
The 47-point loss was the Gamecocks' worst defeat since a 59-point loss to Furman in 1930. Only two South Carolina players, Meechie Johnson and Eli Ellis, scored in double digits, while Florida's Thomas Haugh led all scorers with 18 points. Fans took to Twitter to demand that Paris be fired, with some calling the loss unacceptable and questioning the team's competitiveness.
- The Gamecocks lost to the Gators on Wednesday, January 29, 2026.
- The last time South Carolina lost by 47 points or more was in 1999, when they fell to Syracuse by the same margin.
The players
Lamont Paris
The head coach of the South Carolina Gamecocks men's basketball team, who is facing growing calls from fans to be fired after the team's dismal performance this season.
Meechie Johnson
A South Carolina player who scored 10 points in the loss to Florida, one of only two Gamecocks to reach double digits.
Eli Ellis
A South Carolina player who scored 13 points in the loss to Florida, the other Gamecock to reach double digits.
Thomas Haugh
The leading scorer for the Florida Gators, with 18 points, 3 rebounds, and 1 assist in the blowout win.
What they’re saying
“Lamont Paris needs to be fired asap.”
— Samuel Forrester
“If Lamont Paris has a job tomorrow morning, we will know how unserious we are about winning.”
— Saturday In South Carolina 🤙🏻
“Lamont Paris gotta go”
— CockpitCommander
“I really like Lamont Paris, but one NCAA year isn't strong enough to keep you around when the other three seasons aren't just bad, but the games aren't even competitive.”
— John
What’s next
The Gamecocks will look to regroup and bounce back when they face the LSU Tigers on Friday. South Carolina defeated LSU by 10 points in their previous matchup, but will have to find a way to win on the road this time.
The takeaway
The Gamecocks' blowout loss to the Gators has reignited calls for head coach Lamont Paris to be fired, as fans grow increasingly frustrated with the team's poor performance this season. The program's struggles have raised questions about whether Paris is the right leader to turn things around and get South Carolina back to the NCAA tournament.
