The South Carolina Gamecocks have now lost eight games in a row and are still looking for their first SEC win. That’s left head coach Lamont Paris looking for answers about how to turn things around.

Paris went 26-8 last season with the Gamecocks and made the NCAA Tournament, so this is certainly new territory for him and South Carolina.

Lamont Paris’ South Carolina is in the midst of a challenging season, with an eight-game losing streak and still no Southeastern Conference victory in sight.

The 0-8 start to SEC play is extra maddening for a program that wanted to build off last year’s NCAA Tournament appearance.

Paris’ sleepless night came after a game in which his South Carolina team blew a 14-point lead, a lead it had held for most of the contest against the Gators. Only in the last minute did Florida surge ahead to take the lead in the waning moments.

Following the latest one at 65-60 in overtime to Mississippi State on Saturday, Lamont Paris said the Gamecocks continue to fight, though, through their longest losing streak since two seasons ago. “Well, if it doesn’t break you, it’ll make you stronger, um, and it hasn’t broken our guys,” said Paris.

That depth took a hit last offseason. Three of the Gamecocks’ top four scorers departed from last year’s 26-win, NCAA Tournament team — Ta’Lon Cooper, Meechie Johnson and BJ Mack. Paris attempted to reload with transfers Nick Pringle (Alabama), Jamarii Thomas (Norfolk State) and Jordan Butler (Missouri), as well as four-star freshman Cam Scott.

Lamont Paris, head coach of the South Carolina Gamecocks men's basketball team, has demonstrated significant potential and capability during his tenure. After a

Lamont Paris’ South Carolina remained winless in SEC play after a 65-60 overtime loss to No. 14-ranked Mississippi State on Saturday.

Georgia (15-6, 3-5 SEC) pulled away early and South Carolina never led at Stegeman Coliseum. USC fought back to make it close midway through the period, but UGA outscored the Gamecocks 17-5 in the latter portion of the first half and led 35-21 at the break.

A preview of South Carolina's matchup against the Florida Gators for men's college basketball. The South Carolina Gamecocks women's basketball team is scorchin

The South Carolina Gamecocks men's basketball team continues to struggle in conference play. The South Carolina Gamecocks men's basketball team made the trip o