NASHVILLE, TENN. (WIS) – Barring an invitation to the National Invitation Tournament (NIT), the South Carolina Gamecocks men’s basketball season is over after a 72-68 loss to Arkansas (19-12, 8-10 SEC) in the first round of the SEC Tournament in Nashville.

South Carolina (12-20, 2-16 SEC) was down by as many as 20 points, but battled back thanks to a 19-2 to cut the lead to one late in the second half.

The Gamecocks had chances to tie or take the lead but ultimately Arkansas grew the lead to five with under 30-seconds to play and the Gamecocks could not overcome the deficit.

Possible NBA draft pick Collin Murray-Boyles led all scorers with 20 points and grabbed 12 rebounds. Jamarii Thomas added 16 points and Jacobi Wright had 13 points and four assists.

The Gamecocks will find out its postseason fate on Sunday, with NIT games starting as early Tuesday.

Feel more informed, prepared, and connected with WIS. For more free content like this, subscribe to our email newsletter, and download our apps. Have feedback that can help us improve? Click here.

Copyright 2025 WIS. All rights reserved.