South Carolina's run has come to an end-by choice. Despite a challenging season, finishing 12-20 with only two conference wins, the Gamecocks were eligible for a postseason invite by the NIT. However, South Carolina has declined.
The NIT changed its protocol for this season to give the top three teams from both the SEC and the ACC that did not make the NCAA Tournament an automatic spot to play.
With 16 teams now in the SEC with the addition of Oklahoma and Texas, the conference set a record by placing 13 teams in the SEC Tournament. Prior to this year, only the Big East had sent double digits to the Tournament with 11 teams in 2011.
South Carolina, LSU, and Texas all earned spots in the NIT, but the Gamecocks have bowed out of the competition.
It is not immediately known why the University declined, however putting this season to rest may be in the best interest for the team for several reasons.