Game Balls: South Carolina Vs. #6 Kentucky

South Carolina men's basketball program got a huge résumé-boosting win over Kentucky thanks in part to the stellar performance of several people.

In a game that South Carolina fans will remember for a long time, the Gamecocks thoroughly dominated the sixth-ranked Kentucky Wildcats. It was a collective effort that led to the upset, but in this piece, we will award three game balls to those whose performances stood out in the thrilling encounter.

1) Ta'Lon Cooper

Ta'Lon Cooper's performance in South Carolina's upset victory is why earns the first game ball. It's rare to witness such a dominant two-way game, but Cooper made it look easy. He added two blocks to the stat sheet on the defensive side, providing a secondary line of defense that complemented the frontcourt's paint protection.

Offensively, Cooper was nothing short of sensational, tying a career high of 20 points on an incredibly efficient 8-11 (72.7 percent) shooting performance, and displaying touch on his shots and basketball IQ in terms of his shot selection. Ta'Lon's ability to maintain such a high level of play was crucial in swinging the momentum in favor of the Gamecocks and played a significant role in the upset.

Ta'Lon Cooper going up for a shot against Kentucky's Rob Dillingham (23rd Jan., 2024) / Jeff Blake | USA Today Network

2) Collin Murray-Boyles

Defense wins games, and Collin Murray-Boyles exemplified this adage with his elite performance against the Wildcats. His presence in the paint was notable as he altered shots with his timing and reach, making Kentucky players think twice before driving to the basket. Altering shots, however, wasn't the only highlight of his defensive showcase. Murray-Boyles racked up three blocks and two steals, making his presence felt even when he wasn't guarding the primary ball-handler for Kentucky. His aggressive plays didn't lead to foul trouble, a sign of his maturity for the young freshman in terms of understanding of when to contest and when to hold back.

3) Gamecock Fans: The Sixth Man

The final game ball goes to the raucous and relentless Gamecock fans. Their impact on the game was noticeable from the opening tip to the final buzzer. The homecourt advantage was on full display as the South Carolina faithful cheered, chanted, and provided an electric atmosphere that visibly affected the performance of both teams. Their energy never waivered; instead, it only intensified. The Gamecock fans embodied the saying "the crowd can be the sixth man" on this unforgettable night; they were just that.

South Carolina's victory over Kentucky will be etched in the memories of all who witnessed it, largely thanks to these three deserving recipients of the game balls.

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