https://twitter.com/GamecockMBB/status/952329057236017152

South Carolina got a much needed win in Athens on Saturday. What does it mean for the Gamecocks moving forward as they move into the meat of their SEC schedule?

1. Chris Silva is a beast when he’s not in foul trouble

📊➡️: @SilvaObame is 8-for-10 at the FT line today, marking his eighth game of the season with at least eight makes at the charity stripe. Big time 👊 #Gamecocks🐔🏀 pic.twitter.com/TKBatX2n5S

— Gamecock MBB (@GamecockMBB) January 13, 2018

F Chris Silva finished with 14 points and led the Gamecocks with 9 rebounds in the win. Maybe the most important stat of all was fouls. Silva finished the day with 3 fouls but had none at halftime. It’s no secret Silva has struggled to get tons of minutes due to being in early foul trouble. South Carolina is a completely different team when he’s on he floor and will need him to continue his smart play in order to stay on the court.

2. South Carolina needs to make games sloppy

One of our 18 offensive rebounds and the putback in today's @SEC road win at Georgia! @Justin_minaya #Gamecocks 🏀🐔💪 pic.twitter.com/jS9rnnzBZE

— Gamecock MBB (@GamecockMBB) January 13, 2018

Let’s be honest, Saturday was no thing of beauty. The Gamecocks shot just 27% from the floor, the worst shooting performance for them in a win this season. Meanwhile, they played relentless defense and held the Bulldogs to just 35% shooting on their end. The biggest difference in the game came on the offensive glass, where South Carolina was able to out-rebound the Bulldogs 18-12 and win most 50-50 balls throughout the game. While USC won’t be more talented than most teams they play, they control their hustle and ability to force other teams into mistakes. Use Saturday’s game-plan as a recipe for success.

3. Evan Hinson has the chance to be a really nice player

📊➡️: a little over 10 minutes into this one and @evanhinson07 has a new career-high eight points 💪#Gamecocks🐔🏀 pic.twitter.com/bALGfTsFnN

— Gamecock MBB (@GamecockMBB) January 13, 2018

How many times did we hear about the TE turned basketball player Evan Hinson? In all seriousness, Hinson shined Saturday, scoring 8 points with 2 rebounds and going 2-3 from the 3 point line. I was a little skeptical on how much of a role Hinson would have on this team but he seems to be a guy who is really coming into this own. While he may never be a main piece to this team, look for Hinson to find a nice role coming off the bench and having the ability to knock down key shots for Frank Martin and company.