South Carolina Dominates Benedict in Exhibition Game
The Gamecocks cruised to a 113-34 victory over Benedict at Colonial Life Arena.
Updated on Oct. 24, 2026 in Basketball
South Carolina secured a decisive 113-34 win against Benedict in a home exhibition basketball game in Columbia. The team showcased balanced scoring and rebounding as they prepared for the upcoming season.
Why it matters
This dominant performance allows South Carolina to test new roster combinations and tactical adjustments before facing a challenging start to the regular season. The team prepares for three top-20 opponents within their first four scheduled matchups.
South Carolina improved their shooting throughout the night, moving from 36.0 percent in the first quarter to 58.3 percent in the third. Three players each finished with double-digit rebounds, including Jerzy Robinson, who recorded 11.
The players
Tessa Johnson
She is a member of the South Carolina basketball team who contributed 17 points in the exhibition win.
Jerzy Robinson
She is a South Carolina player who finished the game with 17 points and 11 rebounds.
Joyce Edwards
She is a South Carolina basketball player who scored 15 points in the contest against Benedict.
South Carolina
This is a collegiate athletic program based in Columbia that is preparing for a challenging 2026-27 schedule.
Benedict
This is a local college institution that played South Carolina in an exhibition match at Colonial Life Arena.
The details
Tessa Johnson and Jerzy Robinson each led the offensive effort with 17 points, while Joyce Edwards added 15 points to the total. The squad also forced nine turnovers in the opening 10 minutes to set an early defensive tone.
Timeline
The game took place on October 23, 2026.
The season opener against Maryland is scheduled for November 2, 2026.
Season Trajectory
This exhibition serves as a critical tune-up before South Carolina enters a demanding stretch of high-stakes matchups against top-20 programs. The performance establishes a baseline for the team's depth and efficiency as they look toward the postseason implications of their early schedule.
The balanced scoring distribution suggests a deep rotation that could impact fantasy lineups and player usage metrics this season. With three top-20 opponents appearing in the first four games, the team's ability to maintain high field goal percentages will be tested immediately.
The takeaway
Exhibition games provide essential data for coaches to refine lineups before the intensity of conference and national play begins. Tracking early-season shooting efficiency often serves as a reliable indicator of offensive stability for the months ahead.
What happens next
South Carolina will continue their preparations ahead of the regular season opener against Maryland on November 2, 2026.
Further reading
For more news and analysis on local teams, visit Columbia Basketball.
