RECAP

South Carolina and Florida played twice during the regular season and split both games. Both games were defensive battles being dictated by who could go on small runs to regain the lead. The SEC East Elite Eight matchup proved to be no different.

South Carolina got off to a hot start answering every Florida basket for much of the first half. Sindarius Thornwell scored a game high 15 points in the first half, but the story was Florida’s three point shooting. Florida made 7-12 from three compared to the Gamecocks 2-7. Florida’s Justin Leon made three of them and scored 13 points. Sindarius Thornwell, Chris Silva, and Rakym Felder all committed two fouls, earning Silva and Felder early bench time. The Gamecock defense forced 11 turnovers, which was the highlight of the half for them. South Carolina fans are used to being down seven at half, being down seven to Florida in the first matchup this season and Duke in the round of 32.

South Carolina immediately made an impact in the second half forcing an airball, and a Silva dunk on the other end. KeVaughn Allen went to the bench with 17:30 to go with three fouls, forcing Florida to play more guards off the bench. In just five minutes, the Gamecocks made it a one point game. Florida put South Carolina in the bonus in just five minutes as well. Terrific post play from Maik Kotsar earned the Gamecocks the lead back with 11 minutes remaining. For the next several minutes, the lead changed on seemingly every possession. Sindarius Thornwell got to the line and scored a majority of the Gamecocks’ points.

The Gamecock defense completely sealed the game at the end due to perfect defense. The Gamecocks will play Gonzaga in the final four.