COLONIAL LIFE ARENA: Lamont Paris sought to improve his team’s outside shooting in the offseason after his team made under 32% of their three point attempts last season. If Tuesday’s 91-72 win over North Carolina A&T in the season opener is any indication, Paris accomplished his mission.
The Gamecocks made 14 threes, their most since nailing 18 in a win over George Washington on December 1st, 2023. Nine different Gamecocks made at least one three-pointer, with transfer Nordin Kapic leading the way with three.
Kapic made the first basket of the game, and it was a three. The Gamecocks never trailed, but only led 28-20 with 8:18 left in the half. An 18-8 run to close out the half put the Gamecocks comfortably in front 46-28 at the break.
The Aggies got as close as 15 points in the second half at 49-34, but the Gamecocks ripped off a 20-8 run to go up 69-42 with 10:37 remaining. The lead eventually hit 28 points before the Aggies chipped away to the final 19 point margin.
Meechie Johnson led a balanced Gamecock attack. He was one of five to score in double figures with 14 points. He also had five rebounds and four assists. Kapic had 13 points and five rebounds.
The Gamecocks shared the ball. Their 23 assists were the most since they had 25 in a win at Georgia in February of 2024. Every Gamecock who played had at least one assist. But, the Gamecocks also had 13 turnovers that led to 14 Aggie points.
After the game, coach Lamont Paris confirmed that guard Cam Scott and forward EJ Walker will redshirt this season.
The Gamecocks are back at home Sunday night to face Southern Miss with a 6:30 PM tip time.
