FINAL: Gamecocks Break Program Wins Record In 93-89 OT Win Over Bulldogs

South Carolina's men's basketball team wins regular-season finale in an overtime thriller over Mississippi State Bulldogs.

Lamont Paris and the Gamecocks were on the road for the regular season finale against the Mississippi State Bulldogs, with a lot to play for in this game, one being the double bye that's still in play, Carolina still will need some help even with the win. Two, they'd officially have the most wins during the regular season in program history. Nonetheless, Coach Paris and company figured it out in the second half, beating the Bulldogs 77-75.

The first half was all South Carolina, who was allowed to control the pace of the game for the better half. However, the trouble would begin for the Gamecocks around the nine-minute mark, when they would have five turnovers over the next four minutes, allowing Mississippi State to get back in the game. While Carolina never lost the lead, they allowed State to stay in the game and even had an untimely turnover right before the half to make it a one-point game. 

Collin Murray-Boyles and Mississippi State Bulldogs guard battle for the ball (01-06-2024) / Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports

The first-half woes may leak into the second half with the quick turnover and Collin Murray-Boyles getting his third foul, but Carolina turned it around quickly, going on a 12-3 run before the first media timeout. College basketball is a game of runs; however, they went on a 7-0 of their own to tie it up with twelve minutes left. The Gamecocks and Bulldogs kept going blow for blow throughout the game, and Mississippi State would force overtime after big free throws at the end of regulation.

The game's biggest play came from BJ Mack, who got the rebound after a big third missed free throw from State and made both his free throws, making it a three-point game. Carolina would go on to win in overtime. Coach Paris and the team will head home for a quick turnaround to go to the SEC tournament, hoping other games will go in their favor. 

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