Defensive Dominance Sets the Tone
South Carolina’s men’s basketball squad opened its Baha Mar Hoops Summer League campaign with a commanding 86‑46 victory over the Bahamas National Team, a result that underscored the Gamecocks’ preparedness for the coming season.
The Gamecocks’ defense was the story of the night, limiting the Bahamian side to just 23.7 % shooting and forcing 14 turnovers, a combination that kept the opposition to only 18 made field goals.
Offensively, the team was led by Kory Mincy, who contributed 15 points and seven assists while adding four rebounds, and Aleksas Bieliauskas, who chipped in 14 points and six boards. Jakub Nečas added a double‑double with eight points, 11 rebounds and six assists, while Grant Polk knocked down three three‑pointers in 28 minutes and tallied six rebounds and four assists.
Supporting performances came from Juan Fernández and Hayden Assemian, each scoring eight points, with Assemian grabbing six rebounds and Fernández pulling down five. The Gamecocks built momentum with a 26‑11 run in the first half and extended the lead with a 24‑11 spurt in the second, illustrating a balanced attack.
Looking ahead, South Carolina is slated to begin the 2026‑27 regular season in early November, carrying the defensive identity and depth showcased in the summer league into the competitive schedule.