South Carolina Edges Campbell in Exhibition Basketball Game
The Gamecocks secured a 77-68 victory at Colonial Life Arena behind a late scoring surge.
Updated on Oct. 25, 2026 in Basketball
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South Carolina defeated Campbell 77-68 in an exhibition basketball game held at Colonial Life Arena. The Gamecocks clinched the win after mounting a 16-2 run during the final five minutes of play.
Why it matters
This exhibition match provides a critical final look at team performance and rotations before the official start of the college basketball schedule. It allows the coaching staff to evaluate player synergy under pressure in a real-game scenario.
Juan Fernandez led South Carolina with 28 points and nine rebounds, while Rashawn Inglemon recorded a game-high 29 points for Campbell. The Gamecocks also received double-digit contributions from Shane Blakeney and Kory Mincy.
The players
Juan Fernandez
He is a key player for South Carolina who led the team with 28 points and nine rebounds in the exhibition win.
Rashawn Inglemon
He is a player for Campbell who led all scorers with 29 points during the exhibition contest.
Colonial Life Arena
This is the primary indoor arena located in Columbia and serves as the home court for the South Carolina basketball team.
The details
Juan Fernandez proved pivotal for South Carolina, securing a go-ahead and-one layup with three minutes remaining to spark the late comeback. Campbell received support from Nordin Kapic, who contributed 14 points, but the visitors could not hold off the late offensive push.
Timeline
The exhibition game took place on October 26, 2026.
South Carolina opens the regular season against Stetson on November 3, 2026.
Season Trajectory
This win provides the team with necessary momentum and a final evaluation opportunity before the NCAA men's basketball regular season opener. Success in these exhibitions helps coaches calibrate the rotation and bench depth required for a competitive conference schedule.
The 16-2 run at the end of the game highlights the potential of the rotation in high-pressure situations. Fans should track the scoring distribution from Fernandez, Blakeney, and Mincy to see if this offensive efficiency carries over to the regular season opener.
The takeaway
Exhibition games serve as vital barometers for team chemistry and individual player development before official standings are impacted. Coaches often use these final minutes to test versatility and resilience in players who will define the season's outcome.
What happens next
South Carolina opens the regular season against Stetson on November 3, 2026.
Further reading
For more updates and analysis on the team, visit the Columbia Basketball page.
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