South Carolina gets major SEC win over Mizzou
South Carolina toughed it out and got a huge win over the Missouri Tigers, 72-64 on Saturday. The Gamecocks, led by BJ Mack, overpowered the Tigers late in the second half when it mattered most.
However, South Carolina showed some signs of struggle, forcing them to turn intensity of the game around.
How it happened
To start, South Carolina (17-3, 5-2 SEC) got off to a slow, even-paced start but changed the momentum and went on a 12-0 run in the first half. The Gamecocks were able to pass the ball well and find the net in the first half.
After a career game against Kentucky, Ta’Lon Cooper got on the board first for South Carolina shooting a three-pointer. Cooper continues to do what he does best, scoring five points in the first going 2-for-2 in field goals and 1-for-1 on three-point shots.
“The best point guard on the court as it relates to their team is Cooper,” Missouri Head coach Dennis Gates said. “Having a leading scorer go 0-for-9 and still being able to manufacture points, that’s the sign of a good team.”
Another big night for Mack. Mack continues to lead this team in points and momentum. Accordingly, Mack scored 21 points against the Tigers and went 5-for-7 in field goals in the first half.
“BJ brings a lot, he’s a five man that can pop and take it to the post,” Cooper said. “With a team like that they exchange a lot and switch a lot and he just took advantage down there.”
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Josh Gray continues to build momentum from last game’s season high points. Gray and his 7’0” frame played a major role in stopping Missouri’s offense.
Morris Ugusuk scored a season-high 10 points for South Carolina. The freshman went 3-for-3 from in field goals and 2-for-2 from the three-point line against the Tigers defense. Ugusuk has continued to improve throughout his freshman year.
“Practicing hard and just being confident in what we do, that’s pretty much it,” Ugusuk said.
Jacobi Wright continues to be strong off the bench for South Carolina. Wright put up five points in the first half with two rebounds.
Freshman Collin Murray-Boyles didn’t have the strongest offensive game for South Carolina but was strong on defense. Murray-Boyles had a team-high five rebounds and two assists in the first half.
In the first, South Carolina set the tone leading by 10 points going into the half. However, in the second half, Missouri was able to apply pressure to South Carolina’s defense.
The Tigers were able to close in on the Gamecocks lead tying the game in the second half and forcing South Carolina to put their foot on the gas pedal.
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After Missouri tied the game up, Wright and Cooper responded with back-to-back three point shots. In the second, Wright with 11 points and Cooper with 12 to finish the half.
When it mattered most, Zachary Davis hit shots from the three-point line. Davis put up six points, both from three-point shots.
Meechie Johnson struggled to find the net through the second half going zero for four from the field. In the first half, Johnson went zero for five from the field.
Rebounds in the second half helped the Gamecocks secure their victory. In total, South Carolina had 25 rebounds and 11 turnovers.
Two observations
Morris Ugusuk is ready for SEC play—The freshman from Finland had a season high game for South Carolina. His confidence showed as he went three for three in field goals scoring a season high 10 points.
BJ Mack can be unstoppable—When Mack is confident in his shooting and making shot, he is unstoppable. Naturally, Mack put up a team-high 21 points and 5 rebounds. He went 6-for-11 from the field and 2-for-5 from the three-point line.
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Key stat
44 percent—Despite the major win, South Carolina shot only 44 percent from the field against the Tigers.
Turning point
Missouri came out strong in the second half and the Tigers were able to tie the game. Late in the second South Carolina responded building their lead back up to victory.
Up next
South Carolina will travel to Knoxville, Tennessee to take on the Tennessee Volunteers (4-1 SEC) for a tough game. Tip off is set for 6:30 p.m. Jan 30. The game will be available to watch on the SEC Network.
