Oct. 17, 2015

COLUMBIA, S.C. — The South Carolina men’s and women’s basketball teams hosted an event for students on campus on Friday, celebrating the upcoming 2015-16 season. DJ Loui Vee entertained the capacity crowd and emcee Big Tigger helped preview the teams and provide commentary throughout the night.

Squad members, along with Gamecock head men’s basketball coach Frank Martin and women’s head coach Dawn Staley were introduced to the crowd before they were teamed up with students in Minute To Win It challenges. The winning team advanced through rounds of a Mummy challenge, Empty Tissue Box challenge, a Ping Pong ball toss, a Skittles challenge and for the grand prize, a Hot Shot competition. In the final round Michael Carrera, Tiffany Mitchell and student team member Jay Sightler competed against Sindarius Thornwell, Sarah Imovbioh and student Amber Ridley, with the trio of Carrera, Mitchell and Sightler winning, awarding Sightler the grand prize, a 43-inch smart TV! Runners-up in the competition received Gamecock hats, backpacks, gift cards to the University bookstore and two Apple TVs.

Next, three groups comprised of a team member from each squad joined up for a 3-point contest. Three teams battled, but it was Duane Notice versus Kaela Davis in the final. The two traded makes, but Notice edged Davis 11-9 for the win.

The women’s team ran through drills before the men’s team scrimmaged and both coaches addressed the outstanding crowd. The event wrapped up with the teams and students singing the Alma Mater, celebrating a great event.

The South Carolina women’s team continues practice in advance of its lone exhibition contest of the season versus Newberry on Nov. 6 (7 p.m.) and the men follow two days later, hosting Allen (4 p.m.) in exhibition action.