South Carolina is a good team. They are just outside the top-25, and the latest RPI has them at #38 (Pitt is at #51 thanks to the 260th rated schedule). They have lost twice this year. In OT to in-state rival, Clemson; and by only 4 points to #2 Kansas on the road. There is no reason to think this will be an easy game. South Carolina has veteran players.

“Pitt is going to lose to somebody sometime,” [South Carolina Head Coach, Dave] Odom said. “I’m not going to say it’s going to be to South Carolina, but I’m hoping it is.”

South Carolina returns three of its top five scorers from last year’s 23-11 team, including forward Carlos Powell, who tops the Gamecocks in scoring, rebounding and has recorded three double-doubles this year. Guard Tre’ Kelley and forward Tarence Kinsey also are averaging double figures in scoring.

With so much talent returning, Odom decided to beef up his non-conference schedule. He added home-and-away series with Kansas and Pitt, opting to play road games this season in exchange for home dates in 2005. He also scheduled Temple and Clemson at Colonial Center.

“I thought this year’s team required a different challenge,” Odom said.

Pity Pitt hasn’t considered that option.

South Carolina Coach Odom sees some familiarity in Chris Taft with Tim Duncan, who he coached at Wake Forest.

Despite all of that, the lines put Pitt as a 10 point favorite. You can catch the game free on streaming audio through South Carolina.