GAME NOTES: The LSU Tigers return home to the Maravich Assembly Center on Wednesday for an SEC matchup against the South Carolina Gamecocks.

The Gamecocks are coming off a 58-43 loss to No. 1 Kentucky on Saturday at Colonial Life Arena. South Carolina played with tons of energy as it outrebounded the Wildcats, 40-28, including an 18-3 edge on the offensive glass. However, coach Frank Martin's squad hit on only 22.6 percent of its field goal tries. The loss was the third in a row for the Gamecocks, who are one of just three teams in the SEC with only one win in league play.

The Tigers return home after a successful 2-0 road trip which consisted of a 79-61 decision over Florida and a 79-75 overtime victory at Vanderbilt. The two straight wins lifted LSU to a 15-4 overall record, including a 4-2 mark in SEC play. LSU is ranked ninth nationally in rebounds (40.7 rpg), 15th in assists (16.4 apg) and 32nd in scoring (75.5 ppg). Coach Johnny Jones's team is also pacing the SEC in steals with 8.3 per tilt and its total of 287 personal fouls is the least in the league by a wide margin.

South Carolina owns a 15-14 advantage in the all-time series with LSU, but the Tigers are 7-4 versus the Gamecocks in Baton Rouge. LSU has won six of the last 10 games played between the two schools, including three of the last four.

South Carolina is ranked seventh among SEC schools in scoring offense (68.9 ppg) despite hitting on a mere 30 percent of its attempts from beyond the arc. Sophomore guard Sindarius Thornwell led the Gamecocks in scoring against Kentucky for the second straight game with 14 points, and junior forward Michael Carrera pulled down a game high nine rebounds. Thornwell has netted 14.7 ppg over his last three games. Duane Notice is pacing South Carolina in the scoring column at 11.4 ppg, and Tyrone Johnson is chipping in 10.1 ppg.

The Gamecocks have a very deep rotation with nine different players clocking more than 13 minutes per outing including seven averaging more than 20 minutes. Juniors forward Laimonas Chatkevicius, Mindaugas Kacinas, Carrera and sophomore center Demetrius Henry give South Carolina plenty of depth up front, which will be vital against LSU's dynamic post duo.

The Tigers have an advantage in the paint over most opponents due to the presence of sophomore forwards Jarell Martin and Jordan Mickey. Martin leads the team and ranks third in the SEC in with 17.0 ppg, while Mickey's 16.1 points rank fifth in the league, and his team-best 10.7 rebounds per game rank second in the SEC and 12th nationally. Mickey registered his 11th double- double of the season wit 25 points and 11 rebounds at Vanderbilt. Martin posted 19 points, 12 boards and eight turnovers versus the Commodores, while Tim Quarterman provided a spark off the bench with 12 points. Mickey also ranks second in the nation and atop the SEC with 3.6 blocked shots per game. Junior point guard Josh Gray provides 4.8 assists per game, which is second in the league. Gray was held scoreless in 17 minutes versus Vandy.

South Carolina is not a great team by any stretch, but Martin gets the most out of his players. The Gamecocks are not only due for an upset, they are capable because of their defensive abilities. LSU will need both of its star forwards to deliver, or it could suffer an unlikely setback.