The November 3, 2024, college basketball game between the South Carolina Gamecocks and the California Baptist Lancers is a non-conference matchup scheduled for 10:30 PM Eastern Time. This contest features a prominent Southeastern Conference (SEC) program from the University of South Carolina facing a Western Athletic Conference (WAC) opponent from California Baptist University. The game is part of the early-season schedule for both teams, serving as a critical opportunity for the Gamecocks to build momentum under head coach Lamont Paris and for the Lancers to secure a notable non-conference victory that could bolster their postseason resume. For prediction markets, this event represents a classic power-conference versus mid-major dynamic, with betting interest driven by point spreads, over/under totals, and moneyline outcomes. The market remains active until the game's completion, with a 50-50 resolution only if the game is canceled without a rescheduled date, adding a layer of contractual certainty for participants. Interest stems from South Carolina's attempt to build on a surprising 26-8 season and NCAA Tournament appearance in 2024, contrasted with California Baptist's ongoing transition to full Division I eligibility and pursuit of its first NCAA Tournament bid.

Historical Context

The South Carolina Gamecocks men's basketball program, founded in 1908, has experienced periods of significant success, most notably reaching the NCAA Final Four in 2017 under former coach Frank Martin. That team, led by Sindarius Thornwell, defeated powerhouses like Duke and Florida to reach the program's first Final Four. Historically, South Carolina has been a football-first institution within the SEC, making its basketball achievements, such as the 2017 run and the 2024 NCAA Tournament appearance, particularly notable for elevating the program's national profile. The Gamecocks have appeared in the NCAA Tournament nine times in their history. California Baptist University's basketball history is markedly different, defined by its recent transition to the NCAA's highest level. The Lancers began their four-year reclassification from Division II to Division I in 2018, becoming full Division I members and eligible for the NCAA Tournament starting with the 2022-2023 season. Before the transition, CBU was a Division II powerhouse, winning the 1983 NAIA Division I national championship and making multiple deep runs in the NCAA Division II tournament. The program's first major Division I milestone was winning the WAC regular-season title in 2024, establishing itself as a contender in its new conference. This game represents a rare intersection of these two distinct historical paths.

Frequently Asked Questions