Lamont Paris brutally admits blowing lead to Florida 'stings' for South Carolina

South Carolina did just about everything right in its bid to upset No. 5 Florida on its home floor on Wednesday. The Gamecocks led the game for 39:95 and only trailed in the final seconds when the Gators’ Will Richard hit the eventual game-winning, driving layup.

In the end, South Carolina shot better than Florida (49% to 42%), out-rebounded (36-31) the Gators and had more assists (18 to 13), but Florida still managed to eke out a hard-fought victory on the road. The Gamecocks dropped to 10-9 overall and after Arkansas‘ win on the same night, are now the only team in the SEC without a conference win.

“As you can imagine, that one stings,” South Carolina head coach Lamont Paris said postgame. “You played the body of work of the game exactly the way it needed to be to win. There are some plays that you just can’t make down the stretch. Some would seem to be garden variety plays but were made much more difficult by not only the people who are out there defending you but also the gravity of the situation.

“It’s just a tough game for the guys, for the staff, for everybody involved. You play well enough to win the game, simple as that. There’s not a whole lot more to say about that.”

Paris pointed out that the Florida loss was the third game in SEC play the Gamecocks led in the final few minutes and were not able to overcome their opposition. The most heartbreaking of which came against a No. 2 Auburn team, who beat the Gamecocks 66-63. A similar situation occurred in another 66-63 on the road vs. Vanderbilt.

The Florida loss may have stung worse than either of the others but despite the disappointment, Paris wants his team to be able to move on in time to be in the same position to win the next time out.

“So that was a little disappointing,” Paris continued. “Understatement of 2025 right there, but you’ve got to get on to the next one. There’s another one coming.”

The Gamecocks now turn their attention toward No. 14 Mississippi State, who’s coming off a 12-point loss to Tennessee on the road during the week. South Carolina’s a 7.5-point underdog to the Bulldogs heading into Saturday’s matchup. Tip-off is set for 1 p.m. ET live on the SEC Network.