Presbyterian @ South Carolina preview
Colonial Life Arena
Last Meeting ( Dec 11, 2022 ) Presbyterian 57, South Carolina 68
South Carolina has won six straight games, and one of the catalysts has been the improved free-throw shooting of Nick Pringle.
When South Carolina (9-3) faces Presbyterian (7-7) in the final nonconference game for both teams on Monday in Columbia, S.C., the Gamecocks won't have to hold their breath when Pringle toes the line.
During South Carolina's surge, which includes wins over three power conference teams, Pringle has made 26 of 30 (86.7 percent) free-throw attempts.
It's a remarkable improvement from his 51.7 percent career success rate entering the season.
Last month, in his South Carolina debut after transferring from Alabama, Pringle's foul shooting woes continued as he shot 3-for-8 in stunning 74-71 upset at the hands of the visiting North Florida.
But video work with coach Lamont Paris convinced Pringle that he needed to quicken his routine and tweak his set point, which is where a player's eyes focus on the rim.
"How long it was taking him to release the ball once he started his free throw process was really long, really, really long," Paris said. "So he shortened it."
In a 74-48 win over Radford on Dec. 22, Pringle made all 10 of his free throws. His work at the line is no small matter, as he has taken the second-most free throws on the team (61).
Pringle averages 10.3 points and 6.8 rebounds per game, combining with Collin Murray-Boyles (16.2 points, 9.3 rebounds) to give the Gamecocks a formidable duo inside.
Presbyterian enters after suffering its first home loss this season, 86-81 in overtime to Manhattan on Dec. 21.
It was a frustrating defeat after the Blue Hose led by 19 points in the first half. There was a positive, however, as Carl Parrish delivered 23 points and nine rebounds, both career highs.
It was a performance that sixth-year coach Quinton Ferrell has been awaiting.
"Seeing him play like that offensively is not a shock to me because that's really what he's capable of," Ferrell said. "He's a big-time offensive player."
Parrish combines in the backcourt with the Blue Hose's top two threats: Kory Mincy, who averages 14.9 points and 4.6 assists per game, and Kobe Stewart, who scores at a 14.4 ppg clip.
Located just 60 miles apart, South Carolina and Presbyterian (Clinton, S.C.) have a long history, with their first game coming nearly 108 years ago. The Gamecocks lead the series 33-8.
--Field Level Media