The South Carolina Gamecocks went up to Nashville to battle the Vanderbilt Commodores, result was a 78-60 loss. The loss drops USC to 13-8 overall and 4-4 in the SEC.
The Gamecocks played a really good first half as the halftime score was 30-23. There was a shot to make this a game. But Vandy went on to put forth a 25-7 run and never looked back. The Gamecocks got a little sloppy in their play in the second half. I was hoping that my preview was wrong but when USC depends on “street ball” play it never ends good. At some point, some set plays have to be worked into the motion offense and try to make a higer percentage shot. Maybe it is just a thought but the Gamecocks sit at the bottom of the SEC East, seems a good time to try to develop this team. Not saying give up but teach the young team to play basketball in the SEC. The Gamecocks played good but Vandy played better. You could see that Vandy was the better team and also Vandy could not miss it seemed in their shots. I hope USC can get good play from Ellington, Galloway, Cooke and Muldrow going forward. USC needs a run in the next few games to state a reason why the NIT should look at them. Don’t give up just yet on these boys.
Sour spot – South Carolina was 6-of-21 from 3-point range and struggled just as much from the foul line, hitting 6-of-21 free throws.
Bright spot – Ramon Galloway totaled 16 points and Bruce Ellington added 13 for the Gamecocks. The improved play of Malik Cooke stands out as he had 12 points, 7 rebounds, 3 steals and two blocks.
Quote that sums it up – “I really think this game is pretty simple. It came down to Vanderbilt making tough shots and I credit them for knocking them down,” said South Carolina head coach Darrin Horn.
Next – UF Gators on Wednesday in Columbia with a 8pm tip.
