COLOMBIA – This would always be the season of COVID. And when South Carolina had to pause its program three times before January 15, basically eliminating a month and a half of training and games, the end result of the season would weigh heavily on the pandemic’s effect in terms of how it was judged.
There is no way to say where specifically that line is, or where it will be in March.
But if Gamecocks have more results like Saturday’s 109-86 disaster against Auburn, the reason for COVID will be to at least fight for top billing with, “this team is not so good.”
“We didn’t have a single guy who fought to defend the ball,” said coach Frank Martin. “They just played with us.”
USC (3-5, 1-3 SEC) lost his third game in a row and all of his problems were revealed. Gamecocks lacked identity, flow or the appearance of a plan while trying to overcome the Tigers (9-7, 3-5), who voluntarily retired from the postseason due to an NCAA investigation, but still seemed to have achieved a lot to play .
The lack of a post, which left Auburn with 46 points in the painting and numerous buried, can legitimately be attributed to Gamecocks still lacking the initial center Alanzo Frink and the main reserve Jalyn McCreary (both were in the arena on Saturday, but no dresses for Toque). The USC just doesn’t have many attackers.
Still, the consistent defensive lapses, the inability to hit open throws and be one of the worst free-throw teams in the country? It is worth mentioning that when the program is paused, Gamecocks cannot practice or even go to a local academy, as university rules threaten suspension from the school if they are caught out of quarantine.
It is also worth mentioning that this is supposedly Martin’s best team since the magical Final Four of 2017, full of veteran talent and experience, and that it had no rhythm despite being in its most rhythmic phase of the season. USC played three games and had all the necessary training last week, but gave up most of the points he already had during Martin’s nine-year term.
“All we talked about in the last five days that I came back is that we can sit and make excuses or embrace the situation, the hand that we received. Everyone has to be more self-responsible than we normally are, ”said Martin. “We didn’t have time to become who we need to be as a team.”
Auburn scored 57 points in the first half, performed a dunk throughout the game and showed that the talent of a 9-7 team that will not be in the postseason was better, more disciplined and wanted more than the Gamecocks.
“To overcome this, we just have to work together as a team and communicate, work, be brave,” said AJ Lawson, who scored 23 points. “In terms of effort, we didn’t give as much as we received.”
There is still plenty of time to turn the season around, but Gamecocks first have to play five more games to reach the minimum limit to qualify for NCAA Tournament consideration, and are about to have to win almost all of their remaining games to make it. a serious look. If they don’t get there, it will be the fourth season in a row since the Final Four that they haven’t sniffed out the NCAAs.
COVID is a reason, but with all the other factors that contributed to not repeat that success, when COVID becomes another excuse?
Looking forward
Gamecocks welcome Georgia at 7pm on Wednesday.
Follow David Cloninger on Twitter @DCPandC.