Gamecocks Find a Way to Win In Overtime 71-69 Over Missouri

South Carolina men's basketball team got a much-needed bounce back win against the Missouri Tigers.

After a humbling loss to Alabama earlier this week, head coach Lamont Paris and the Gamecocks needed to right the ship and get back on track with a win over the tigers. This was by no means anywhere near their best game, but they were able to force overtime after trailing for all of the second half and finish strong and earn their second SEC win over Missouri 71-69

South Carolina started the game off nicely on a 7-0 run; however, both teams would continue trading baskets and turnovers for most of the first half. The biggest surprise of the half had to be Meechie Johnson not getting his first points until 1:37 left to go in the first half, but the Gamecocks would get just a bit of momentum to end the half with five points from Johnson and making three of their final four shots trailing the tigers by one at halftime.

Meechie Johnson celebrates with teammates following their victory over the Mississippi State / Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports

The start of the second half was more of what the Gamecocks wanted to avoid doing, turning the ball over and lacking aggression. For a majority of the second half South Carolina had more turnovers than they did made shots, which typically is going to cost you games. However, the Gamecocks were able to force overtime with a huge three made by Ta'Lon Cooper to give them an extra five minutes.

The gamecocks were able to show mental toughness after struggling all of the second half until tying it up late, they did exactly what they needed to do in overtime to secure the victory. South Carolina will head back home to host the Georgia bulldogs after having back-to-back road games in the SEC. One thing has become certain, regardless of the team, it's been shown that it's going to be hard to win on the road in the SEC this season. 

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