Game Recap: South Carolina Gamecocks vs. Oklahoma Sooners
The South Carolina Gamecocks ended their recent slump with a strong performance against the Oklahoma Sooners, clinching an 85-76 victory on Tuesday in Columbia, South Carolina. This win halted a three-game losing streak and improved the Gamecocks’ record to 11-8, with a conference mark of 2-4.
Key Players
Leading the charge for South Carolina was Meechie Johnson, who scored 20 points, making an impressive 13 out of 15 attempts from the free-throw line. Meanwhile, Kobe Knox contributed significantly with 18 points, backed by Elijah Strong with 17, and Miles Stute and Mike Sharavjamts, each scoring 10 points. Notably, all five starters for South Carolina achieved double-digit scoring, showcasing a well-rounded offensive effort.
On the other side, Oklahoma struggled, suffering their fifth consecutive loss, leaving their record at 11-8 and a concerning 1-5 in conference play. Xzayvier Brown was the standout performer for the Sooners, scoring 22 points, while Tae Davis added 20, and Derrion Reed chipped in with 13.
Game Highlights
The Gamecocks took control early, establishing an 11-0 lead without looking back. They showcased their dominance, extending the score to 28-14 after Stute converted two free throws with just over seven minutes left in the first half. Despite a strong push from Oklahoma, who closed the gap by outscoring South Carolina 22-11 towards the end of the half, the Gamecocks entered halftime still ahead, 39-36.
In the second half, Oklahoma opened strong, bringing the score to 51-47 shortly after the break, but could not manage to close the distance any further as South Carolina maintained their advantage throughout the game.
Looking Ahead
Looking ahead, the Sooners will face their next challenge against Missouri on Saturday, while the Gamecocks are set to travel to Texas A&M on the same day, eager to build on their latest victory.