South Carolina blew an eleven-point lead over the final 7:33 of the game in falling to NC State 88-86 in an exhibition game Sunday afternoon in Greensboro.
A three-pointer by Eli Ellis put the Gamecocks up 79-68. USC then went five minutes without scoring, missing four shots and suffering five turnovers during that stretch. The Wolfpack battled back by attacking the rim with two layups and a tip-in. They also scored five points from the foul line.
Meechie Johnson broke a 79-79 tie with a jumper with 2:29 left. State scored the next six points for an 85-81 lead with 1:13 to play. USC responded with a layup by Johnson and a three-point play by Kobe Knox for an 86-85 lead with :12 left.
On the final possession, State worked the clock down and Paul McNeil hit a contested three at the buzzer for the win.
Points off the turnovers made a big difference in the game with State outscoring the Gamecocks 18-8. The Gamecocks had 15 turnovers to 11 for the Wolfpack.
USC shot 54% for the game, including 12-29 from three. The Gamecocks were 12-15 from the line.
Eli Ellis led the Gamecocks in scoring with 23 points off the bench. He was 5-7 from deep. Johnson added 20 points and four assists.
The Gamecocks will open their season at home on November 4th against North Carolina A&T.