USC Gamecocks Suffer Defeat to the Volunteers, 63-55

The Gamecocks had their chance as they kept it tight for the first 32 minutes of the game but as the clocked continued to tick the Volunteers proved too much.  The University of Tennessee won this game 63-55. 

A win was there for Carolina.  The Gamecocks had a 28-24 lead at half but came out of the locker room flat.  Much like the Arkansas game and the Georgia game, the second half was not kind for the Gamecocks.

The Gamecocks did all the right things for most of the game yet shots didn’t fall late in the game and with that the confidence in the fighting gamecocks went away.

Devan Downey and Sam Muldrow struggled for most of the game, shooting a combined 7 for 30.  As we have seen all season, when Devan struggles the likelihood of a win is slim.  Good to see others pick up the slack with bodes well in my view for the future but a loss is a loss.

Consider these stats:

• Tennessee played a sloppy game, committing 19 turnovers.  Yet USC could not use it to their advantage due to them living off outside shot.
• USC shot 5-26 from 3-point land and only took 15 free throws to the Vols 32.
• USC was out rebounded by the Vols 39-27.
• USC missed more shots (43) than UT attempted (41) let me repeat that USC missed more shots (43) than UT attempted (41)

Top Performers

Tennessee: W. Chism 11 Pts, 9 Reb, 2 Ast, 2 Stl

South Carolina: B. Raley-Ross 16 Pts, 5 Reb, 1 Ast, 2 Stl

Downey finished with just 15 points. That’s about 15 fewer than we are used to him scoring in SEC play. I am going on the record to say that the Devan talk of SEC POY is done.  It is going to go to John Wall.

I also am becoming increasingly nervous for the Gamecocks chances for NIT play.  They have lost 4 of the last 5 games.

USC is 14-12 and 5-7 in the SEC. They play at Kentucky at Rupp on Thursday night at 9pm.  That game has revenge written all over it….uh oh.