The pregame atmosphere at Colonial Life Arena. | Photo via Gamecocks Athletics
Confetti and celebrations capped off 2023 for the South Carolina Gamecock Women’s Basketball team. So the top question entering 2024 is: Can we do it again? The new season has already tipped off, so here’s what you need to know about the best team in the country.
The team
Head coach Dawn Staley and the Gamecocks entered the season ranked No. 1. The team looks different without star center Kamilla Cardoso, but fans will recognize returning starters from the championship lineup, like senior guards Bree Hall and Te-Hina Paopao + junior forward Chloe Kitts. We’re also excited to see sophomore guard MiLaysia Fulwiley, who racked up 24 points and seven steals against Clayton State in the preseason.
The schedule
The Gamecocks have the third toughest schedule in women’s basketball, meaning the longstanding winning streak will be tested and fans should prepare accordingly. Hit the link below to check out the slate of can’t-miss home games.
Music Bingo | 8:30 p.m. | Village Idiot Pizza | Free | Round up your friends for a night of music, hot slices of pizza, and cold beer.
Wednesday, Nov. 6
Jazzkeller: Capital City Big Band | 6-8:30 p.m. | Bierkeller Brewing Company | Free | Listen to this 20-piece jazz band while sipping a locally crafted brew.
Thursday, Nov. 7
“Something’s Afoot” | 7:30 p.m. | Town Theatre | $15+ | Watch a murder mystery show where 10 strangers are locked in a mansion together and hilariously taken down one-by-one.
Friday, Nov. 8
“White Chicks” | 6:30-9:30 p.m. | Russell House Theater at USC | Free | Watch a free screening of this comedy movie that stars the Wayans’ brothers as undercover detectives.
Saturday, Nov. 9
Soda City Market | 9 a.m.-1 p.m. | Main Street | Cost of purchase | Shop local vendors offering food, drinks, home decor, and various skincare products.
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Tuesday, Nov. 5 — aka Election Day — and we’ve done the Googling so you don’t have to. To make this election as easy as possible, we’ve curated need-to-know information about how and where to vote. Polls will be open across the state today from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
State
Speaking of the election — votes will be rolling in throughout the day for South Carolina’s general election. If you’re watching the numbers, check WLTX’s election webpage where you’ll find live-real election results. (WLTX)
Open
Toasty Hot Spot is now open in Five Points. The popular brunch spot was forced to relocate and it landed at 2002 Greene St. It features new items as well as longtime menu favorites. (Free Times)
Plan Ahead
South Carolina football is officially set to kick off at 4:15 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 16 against Missouri inside of Willy B. The winner of this game will take home the Mayor’s Cup, a trophy created by the mayors of each respective Columbia — but we don’t need a trophy to tell us which Columbia best.
Sports
Fans stormed the field after the upset against No. 10 Texas A&M over the weekend, and now it’s going to cost the university. The SEC has fined USC $250,000 for the event, which will be paid to A&M. This is USC’s second infraction this year, and a third one will result in a $500,000 fine. (The State)
Listen
The Carolina Hurricanes look to make it a November to remember as they enter the month on a six-game winning streak. Go beyond the scoreboard and behind the scenes of the Hurricaneswith Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
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The Buy
The Buy
A six-piece sheet set made with microfiber + moisture-absorbing CoolMax fabric to keep you cool and comfortable all night long.
Happy Tuesday, COLA. I’m Mitch, a Senior National Content Editor, and will be helping out with the newsletter this week. Don’t worry. I know the standard you’ve come to expect from Sam and David, so I made sure to get their seal of approval on everything before hitting send on this.
Answered
Answered
When did head coach Dawn Staley win her first-ever National Championship with the Gamecocks?
C. 2017. South Carolina defeated Mississippi State 67-55.