Tough Second Half Plagues Gamecocks In 74-47 Loss To Alabama
On Tuesday evening, Lamont Paris and the Gamecocks traveled down to Tuscaloosa, Alabama, to face off against the Alabama Crimson Tide in their second SEC matchup of the season. South Carolina entered this game as an 11.5-point underdog. For the Gamecocks to pull off the upset, they would need to be consistent for 40 minutes. They played well in the first half; however, the Crimson Tide would take over in the second half beating the Gamecocks 74-47.
South Carolina started the first half of this game as well as you could ask for, forcing four early turnovers and allowing themselves to go on a 13-3 run. Ta'Lon Cooper led that early charge with a quick 8 points. However, it would turn into a rather sloppy game for both sides, going on droughts on several occasions towards the end of the half. Alabama would lead at the half by one, the first time South Carolina had trailed at half all season.
Gamecocks players react after a basket and foul by South Carolina Gamecocks guard Ta'Lon Cooper
Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports
The second half couldn't have started any worse for the Gamecocks, who missed their first ten shots and registered their first points at 13:28 with no time left to go in the game. Unfortunately, it didn't get much better for the Gamecocks as the tide would go on a 24-5 run, and the offense was significantly stagnated from the start of the second half until the final whistle. They were often forcing too many one-on-ones and needing more ball movement.
While it's never an outcome a fan or a coach wants, there's plenty to take away from this game and learn and build on. The most crucial job for Coach Paris is keeping this from spilling over into the next game against Missouri, as they will be on the road again. Still, there is plenty of time in the season and no reason for fans to mail it in because of one game.
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