Three Takeaways: South Carolina Vs. Charleston Southern

South Carolina men's basketball team found a way to walkout with a win against the Buccaneers, and I had three key takeaways from this game.

In a thrilling display of tenacity and grit, head coach Lamont Paris and the South Carolina Gamecocks men's basketball team pulled off a close win on Saturday night. Here are the three primary takeaways from the match that kept fans on the edge of their seats:

1) The Gamecocks' Composure Under Pressure

Despite the pressure from Charleston Southern, who consistently made highly contested shots, the Gamecocks displayed admirable calm and composure. They managed to maintain control of the game, even when their opponents were hot on their heels. The pinnacle moment came late in the game when a critical rebound by Ta'Lon Cooper and clutch free throws by Meechie Johnson sealed the deal for the Gamecocks. The team's ability to stay composed under such intense pressure was crucial to their victory.

2) The Clutch Performances of BJ Mack & Meechie Johnson

One must recognize the significance of BJ Mack and Meechie Johnson in this game. Although Johnson had an off night shooting the basketball, he stepped up when it was crucial, demonstrating his unwavering determination. On the other hand, Mack had a solid performance, leading the team with 16 points. Together, they contributed 31 of the team's 74 points, proving their value to the Gamecocks is paramount. They continue to be a consistent go-to pairing, especially late in games when South Carolina needs points.

3) Second Half Three-Point Shooting Struggles

The Gamecocks had a challenging second half, particularly from behind the three-point line. Carolina's lineup shot a disappointing 1-15 from behind the arc during this period, which was a significant factor in keeping the game so close. The final score might not have been as tight had they converted a few more three-point shots. This area is something the team will likely be looking to improve upon throughout the rest of non-conference play, but it's also something that could be deemed a one-off based on how they've performed overall this season in this area.

Carolina demonstrated commendable resilience and teamwork despite some challenges. This game is a testament to the Gamecocks' will to win and ability to perform under pressure. Future opponents would do well to take note.

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