South Carolina’s defense and free-throw shooting kept them within striking distance of Missouri before USC’s backcourt carried them to a dramatic SEC road win, Saturday. With the Tigers haggard and winded from the harassment, Gamecocks guards Ta’Lon Cooper and Jacobi Wright stepped into the spotlight and delivered clutch shots to lead USC to a 71-69 overtime victory in Columbia, Mo.
The Gamecocks’ top offensive threat, Meechie Johnson, struggled most of the afternoon, scoring just five points on 2 of 6 shooting. The void created by Johnson’s off day was filled by Cooper (11 points), Wright (11) and BJ Mack (21 points).
South Carolina trailed the entirety of the second half, but never by more than five points. With 25 seconds left in regulation and USC down by three, Cooper rolled to the top of the key and took a pass from Collin Murray-Boyles. With his defender trailing, Cooper calmly knocked down a 3-pointer to knot the game at 62-62. The Gamecocks hounded Missouri’s shooters the next time down the floor and held defensively to send the game into overtime.
Midway through the extra period, Cooper drove into the lane, stopped on the right block for a pump-fake before drawing the fifth foul on Jesus Carralero Martin and banking his shot home. Cooper ‘s free throw put USC up three. Moments later, Mack muscled his way past a pair of Missouri defenders for another basket, capping his monster game and giving the Gamecocks a five-point lead.
On the ensuing possession, the Tigers closed the gap to three on a pair of free throws. After Cooper missed a running layup, Missouri tied the game with a 3-pointer.
With the clock melting away and the game tied, Wright freed himself with a hesitation dribble and a quick fake before pulling up from 14 feet. Wright’s shot was true, giving the Gamecocks a two-point lead. Mizzou had time for one final offensive set, but Noah Carter’s 3-point shot was well defended and a final heave from Tamar Bates was off the mark.
It was a fitting end as South Carolina’s defense had been the biggest factor in the game, setting the stage for Wright’s heroics. USC (14-2, 2-1) wasn’t efficient offensively, hitting just 41% from the floor, but the Gamecocks outrebounded Missouri 43-32 and made 16 of 18 (89%) from the foul line.
USC will play three of its next four at home, where the Gamecocks are undefeated this season. Georgia is next up for South Carolina, with the Gamecocks and Bulldogs slated for a 9 p.m. tipoff from Colonial Life Arena, Tuesday.
Final Stats
