Ta'Lon Cooper Becoming Gamecocks' Top Playmaker In SEC Play

South Carolina's men's basketball has earned two upset wins over the past week and Ta'Lon Cooper has answered the call in the game's clutch moments.

In the heat of battle, some players shrink when the stakes are highest, while others rise. Ta'Lon Cooper, a stoic guard for the Gamecocks, belongs firmly in the latter category. With a penchant for delivering when it matters most, Cooper has swiftly become the embodiment of clutch for South Carolina's men's basketball team.

Take the recent showdown against the 6th-ranked Kentucky Wildcats. The pressure of such a high-profile game can weigh heavily on any athlete, yet Cooper seemed to absorb it, channeling it into a stellar performance. He was everywhere on the court, answering Kentucky's every challenge, dismantling their runs with timely plays, and showcasing a level of poise that matched the intensity of the game. Finishing with an impressive stat line of 20 points, five rebounds, and five assists, Cooper was the engine driving the Gamecocks to victory.

However, it wasn't just the game against Kentucky that solidified Cooper's reputation as a clutch player. The narrative continued last night in a grueling showdown against No. 5 Tennessee. Cooper's resolve stood out on a night when both teams were locked in a defensive struggle. As the Gamecocks endured a scoring drought that extended for almost five excruciating minutes, Cooper emerged as the beacon of hope. 

Ta'Lon Cooper and South Carolina guard Myles Stute react after Cooper made a three-point shot in the final seconds versus Tennessee (30th Jan., 2024) :: Brianna Paciorka/News Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK

His pivotal three-pointer with five minutes to go in the game stretched the lead to six, breathing life into South Carolina's team at a critical juncture. Cooper drained another crucial three with under a minute left, once again pushing the lead to six and effectively sealing the deal for South Carolina after crucial made free throws from Myles Stute.

These back-to-back performances are a testament to Cooper's evolution as a player at South Carolina. Clutch moments demand skill and mental fortitude, and Cooper has displayed both in spades. His two highest-scoring games of the season, 20 points against Kentucky and 18 against Tennessee, came when the lights shined the brightest, highlighting his ability to thrive under pressure.

As the season progresses, opponents will surely key in on Cooper in the game's waning moments, but if his recent performances are any indication, that may not matter. Ta'Lon Cooper has repeatedly shown that he's ready to answer the call when the game is on the line. Having a player with ice in his veins could be the difference-maker for the Gamecocks as they forge their path through the rest of the season and into postseason play.

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