Gamecocks Ready For Big LSU Series

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — South Carolina ace Michael Roth knew the two-time defending national champion Gamecocks would shake off their early struggles and find themselves in the thick of the Southeastern Conference title chase. The Gamecocks opened league play 1-5. Yet, entering the last regular-season series, South Carolina is a half-game behind Kentucky for the SEC crown and the top seed heading into next week’s conference tournament. The Gamecocks face LSU at home for a three-game series starting Thursday night. LSU is a game in back of the league-leading Wildcats. Florida is two games off the pace, although the Gators would need plenty of help to jump to the top this weekend. Roth heard the fans’ panic after the Gamecocks dreadful start. But Roth said players understood there was time to turn things around.