South Carolina Snaps 7-Game Skid with 97-89 Win Over Mississippi State

Gamecocks shoot 50% from 3-point range in much-needed victory

Feb. 22, 2026 at 4:49am

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The South Carolina Gamecocks snapped a seven-game losing streak with a 97-89 win over the Mississippi State Bulldogs on Saturday. Meechie Johnson scored 21 points and dished out a career-high 9 assists, while Kobe Knox added 17 points for the Gamecocks. South Carolina shot 50% from beyond the arc and scored a season-high 97 points in the victory.

Why it matters

The win is a much-needed boost for the struggling Gamecocks, who had lost seven straight games prior to Saturday's matchup. South Carolina is looking to turn its season around and earn a spot in the postseason, and this victory over a conference opponent could provide the momentum they need.

The details

The Gamecocks jumped out to an early lead with an 8-0 run in the first half, and they maintained that advantage throughout the game. South Carolina's offense was firing on all cylinders, as they shot 85% from the free throw line and had four players score in double figures. Mississippi State was led by Quincy Ballard's double-double, but the Bulldogs couldn't overcome the Gamecocks' hot shooting performance.

  • The game was played on Saturday, February 22, 2026.

The players

Meechie Johnson

A South Carolina guard who scored 21 points and dished out a career-high 9 assists in the win.

Kobe Knox

A South Carolina forward who scored 17 points in the victory.

Quincy Ballard

A Mississippi State player who recorded a double-double with 15 points and 10 rebounds.

Josh Hubbard

The SEC's leading scorer, who finished with 13 points for Mississippi State.

Jaden Epps

A Mississippi State player who scored 13 points in the first half before leaving the game with an injury and not returning.

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What’s next

South Carolina will host Kentucky on Tuesday, while Mississippi State will visit No. 25 Alabama on Wednesday.

The takeaway

This win is a significant boost for the struggling Gamecocks, who were able to snap their seven-game losing streak with a dominant offensive performance. The team's ability to shoot the ball well from 3-point range and get contributions from multiple players will be key as they look to build momentum and make a push for the postseason.