USC watching weather for possible impacts on WBB game vs Vanderbilt. What we know
South Carolina’s women’s basketball home game Sunday against Vanderbilt could be impacted by winter weather.
As of Wednesday afternoon, Dawn Staley and the No. 2 Gamecocks are still expected to face the No. 5 Commodores at 3 p.m. Sunday (ESPN) at Colonial Life Arena.
However, it’s possible the Columbia area is affected by sleet and freezing rain this weekend, according to the National Weather Service’s latest forecast.
“USC Athletics is actively monitoring the latest weather forecasts for this weekend and is in communication with local authorities, Vanderbilt and the Southeastern Conference office regarding any potential impacts,” a South Carolina Athletics spokesperson told The State through a statement Wednesday.
There’s a 70% chance of freezing rain and sleet in Columbia on Saturday and a high temperature of 40, according to the National Weather Service. That grows to a 100% chance Sunday, with a high of 37.
The forecast could change between now and Sunday. For now, South Carolina will carry on with business as usual. The Gamecocks are hitting the road Wednesday for a matchup with No. 16 Oklahoma in Norman on Thursday.
This wouldn’t be the first time South Carolina has had to alter its schedule due to wintry weather. Just last season, the Gamecocks had to delay their highly anticipated matchup with LSU back a day due to Winter Storm Enzo.
The game was moved back from Thursday to Friday after the weather brought on travel issues to LSU’s team. Areas in southern Louisiana received as much as 10 inches of snow in the days before that game. ESPN’s “College GameDay” show was going to be in Columbia for the matchup, but that plan was nixed due to the weather.
South Carolina women’s basketball upcoming schedule
- Thursday at Oklahoma, 7 p.m. (ESPN)
- Sunday vs Vanderbilt, 3 p.m. (ESPN)
- Jan. 29 at Auburn, 9 p.m. (SEC Network)
- Feb. 2 at Texas A&M, 8 p.m. (ESPN2/ESPNU)
