A Desert Doubleheader
The University of South Carolina Gamecocks will travel to Palm Springs, California, for a Thanksgiving weekend that features a pair of high‑profile matchups. On November 25 the Gamecocks will meet the University of Southern California at 4:30 p.m. Eastern, and the following day they will face Arizona State at 2 p.m. ET.
Both games are part of the 2026 Acrisure Series, a six‑day showcase that brings together 26 Division I programs to the Acrisure Arena. The event will be broadcast live on CBS Sports Network, giving national audiences a chance to follow the early‑season action.
Tickets for the series go on sale August 8 at 1 p.m. ET via Ticketmaster, providing fans with an opportunity to secure seats for what could prove to be a pivotal stretch for the Gamecocks as they fine‑tune their roster before conference play.
Historically, South Carolina holds a 2‑2 record against USC, highlighted by a 65‑58 victory in 1977, while the lone encounter with Arizona State resulted in an 84‑79 loss in Tempe. Those past meetings add a layer of narrative intrigue to the upcoming contests.
The games also mark the beginning of the 2026‑27 season for the Gamecocks, who have additional road contests scheduled against N.C. State in December and a later trip to Maryland. The early schedule offers a chance to test the team's depth and chemistry before the rigors of SEC play.