Coastal explodes, #Gamecocks implode in 2nd half of #CCU 80-56 win (AUDIO) (UPDATED with Martin comments)

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.

Final Box

Cliff Ellis postgame interview with Chris Burgin

Frank Martin postgame press conference