South Carolina Downs Upstate 82-53

By: Seth Burgess

On Monday, Nov. 6 the Spartans traveled to Columbia to take on the South Carolina Gamecocks.

The game opened with a strong defensive performance from South Carolina, quickly taking a 21-9 lead midway through the 1st half. The Spartans were able to make some in roads on the deficit closing to gap to 31-25 before ultimately allowing the Gamecocks to go on a run ending the first half 42-28.

The second half is where the separation became apparent as South Carolina smothered the Upstate offense allowing only 25 points in the second half.

The South Carolina players began playing with more confidence as the game drew to its conclusion. The final score was 82-53 in favor of the Gamecocks.

The biggest and most jarring statistic of the night was the difference in 3-point percentage as the Gamecocks went 12-22 for 54.5% was very impressive for the first game of the season. The offensive output was too much for the Spartan defense as the pair of USC transfers Meechie Johnson and Ta’Lon Cooper both put up 15 points.

For the Spartans the 3-point percentage was an abysmal 4-16 for 25%. The bright spot for Upstate was the offensive performance by Justin Bailey who put up points and went 2-4 from deep.

Spartans Box Score:

Name:	Position:	Minutes:	Assist:	Rebounds:	Points:
A. Langlais	F	23	2	7	2
J. Surratt	G	22	1	3	7
J. Bailey	G	26	0	0	13
N. Alves	G	28	1	2	8
T. Broadnax	G	24	3	4	10
Bench	N/A	N/A	6	6	13