Gamecocks Become Arizona Tip-Off Champions In 75-68 Win Over Grand Canyon
To start the game, the Gamecocks got out hot in the first five minutes, hitting five shots in a row at one point. While they would go cold for a four-minute drought during the middle of the first half, defensively, they forced many contested shots and layups. They were holding Grand Canyon to a four-and-a-half-minute drought of their own.
The story of the first half was the 14 points for Grand Canyon on Gamecock turnovers to South Carolina's five. The most significant upside for the Gamecocks was how well they were playing defensively, forcing nine turnovers and holding Grand Canyon to 9 of 27 shooting in the first half. Credit to South Carolina as well; going on a four-plus minute drought to end the first half, they managed to walk into the locker room with a one-point lead with a big shot from Meechie Johnson.
South Carolina Guard Meechie Johnson
George Walker IV / The Tennessean / USA TODAY NETWORK
The defense for the Gamecocks continued where it left off from the first half—forcing more turnovers and continuing to create tough shots. Offensively, it was a much better performance through the first twelve minutes of the first half. Hitting on 8 of 10 shots at one point, led by BJ Mack, who got a quick seven points to start the half.
The games back half became a free-throw contest, with 27 fouls being called in the second half alone. BJ Mack was a massive boost for this offense, scoring 27 points. While they seemingly couldn't compete defensively, South Carolina moved the ball exceptionally well in the second half and was efficient from the floor, finishing the game and shooting 54%.
The Gamecocks didn't get frustrated and continued making plays in the second half and found a way to pull off another victory, winning the Arizona Tip-Off Championship, and improve to 5-0 on the season. Lamont Paris and the Gamecocks will have nine days off before they face Notre Dame at home next Tuesday as part of the SEC-ACC Challenge.
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