USC’s losing streak reached six Wednesday night, matching the Gamecocks’ longest during the Frank Martin era. The Gamecocks fell behind from the start and never really threatened the Bulldogs in the 69-48 loss, their second of the season to the Bulldogs. The point output is the lowest of the season as the Gamecocks drop to 5-12 overall and 3-10 in the SEC. They have lost 10 of their last 12 games.
The Gamecocks led only once at 3-2. A 15-2 run by the Bulldogs basically put the game out of reach of a USC team playing without point guard Seventh Woods, who was banged up in practice Tuesday, and his backup Trae Hannibal, who Martin said was given the day off. The Gamecocks made just 4 of their first 21 shots and finished the first half 8-31 from the floor. They trailed 38-23 at the break and got no closer than 12 points in the second half.
USC finished with a 29% shooting night, the Gamecocks worst mark of the season. They also were outrebounded by 25, their largest deficit of the season in that category. The more physical Bulldogs outscored the Gamecocks in the paint 38-20. USC did force 21 turnovers, but as has been the case during their slide, they had little success in converting. The Gamecocks had 4 fast break points and only 12 off turnovers.
Keyshawn Bryant led USC with 14 points. AJ Lawson added 10, his lowest scoring total since a 5 point outing against Missouri Januar7 19th. DJ Stewart Jr., who had 29 points in the Bulldogs’ win in Columbia earlier this month, led State with 15 points.
The Gamecocks wrap up the two-game road trip Saturday afternoon at Georgia.
Frank Martin postgame press conference
Keyshawn Bryant postgame press conference
Final Stats
