FINAL: Gamecock MBB Never Panics, Cruises Late In A 72-62 Win Over Georgia
South Carolina is back on the road in the SEC as they traveled to Athens, Georgia, this afternoon. Yet again, Lamont Paris and the Gamecocks enter this game as underdogs, with the spread and ESPN analytics favoring the Bulldogs. To continue improving their road record this season, currently 4-2, South Carolina needed to continue to play that excellent team ball they had been and survive the early punches. They survived every punch and walked out of Athens with another win, improving to 19-3(7-2).
The first half was a sneaky good half for the Gamecocks. Watching Georgia start extremely hot from the three-point line, knocking down 8 of them early on, and seemingly couldn't miss. However, when South Carolina looked up at the scoreboard at halftime, they were only down two points. Carolina played as solid as you could ask, had 16 assists on 16 made shots, wasn't turning the ball over, and wasn't fouling on the defensive end; Georgia had an outstanding shooting performance early and South Carolina survived each punch.
Josh Gray dunks against the Kentucky Wildcats
Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports
Neither team capitalized in the first 9 minutes of the second half, with both of them struggling for at least two minutes. With about 11 minutes to play, South Carolina would force another bad stretch for Georgia with great defensive play, forcing five turnovers and allowing no field goals over six minutes, allowing the Gamecocks to go on an 8-0 run. Carolina's defense would continue to be the story of the second half holding Georgia to 19 points.
Carolina, led by Josh Gray, who finished with 15 points and eight rebounds, and Collin Murray-Boyles, who finished with 16 points, four assists, and 5 boards, would finish strong and cruise to the end of the game. Lamont Paris and company will head back to Columbia in another big matchup as they host 18-3 Ole Miss on Tuesday night and will more than likely break into the top 25.
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