Coastal Carolina finally got USC to play a basketball game in Conway, and it was well worth the wait for the Chanticleers. They outscored the Gamecocks 44-21 in the second half in beating USC for the first time since 1993 80-56. The series dates back to 1989 and the Gamecocks had won three of the previous four meetings.
Coastal had a 13-point first half lead but the Gamecocks closed to within 36-35 at the break. Whatever Cliff Ellis told his Chants at the half worked. They scored the first eight points of the half for a nine point lead they eventually stretched to 14 four minutes into the half. Four minutes later it was a 21-point lead and that was that for the Gamecocks.
USC made just two of their first 19 shots in the second half while Coastal was building their lead. They finished 6-32 for the half, and for the game made just seven of 30 three-point attempts. Coastal had just five three pointers but scored 27 points from the line. They also outrebounded the Gamecocks 49-38 and outscored them in the paint 32-18.
The Gamecocks played without leading scorer Jermaine Couisnard who missed his first game of the season with a groin injury.
Essam Mostafa dominated USC in the paint scoring 23 points and grabbing 13 rebounds. Erik Stevenson led USC with 12 points. The Chants improved to 3-2 while the Gamecocks fall to 5-2.
This is what Gamecock fans have grown accustomed to over the years. A lot of big talk in the preseason only to be once again disappointed in the end results. Hopefully by this time next season, we’ll have someone new at the helm. Someone who actually likes to recruit and can win nonconference games you’re supposed to, instead of getting blown out by those opponents.