Cardiac Cocks: Kotsar Puts Nail In The Volunteers Coffin

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The South Carolina Gamecocks got a must-win game against the Tennessee Volunteers in the final minutes of play due to Kotsar’s clutch free-throws.

With the Gamecocks trying to make a push to get into the NCAA March Madness tournament, the SEC matchup against Tennessee was a game they desperately needed to keep hopes alive.Β 

The Gamecocks narrowly defeated the Vols, with the game winning shots coming from the free-throw line by the hands of senior Maik Kotsar.

Kotsar finished with a near double-double, obtaining 13 points and eight rebounds.

Jermaine Couisnard was a factor as he racked up 12 points while shooting nearly 59% from the charity stripe.Β 

Both Trae Hannibal and Jalyn McCreary scored eight points with McCreary shooting 80% from the field.Β 

John Fulkerson of the Volunteers balled out with 25 points and nine rebounds, but was not enough for the Gamecocks defense in the clutch.

Carolina had a poor shooting night, only making 31% of their three-point shots, and they highly struggled at the free-throw line in the first half.Β 

What I Loved

I absolutely loved Frank Martin’s small ball lineup on the court.

Three guards were on the court at one time giving the Gamecocks some of their best shooters in play.

AJ Lawson, Jermaine Couisnard, and Jair Bolden were all on the court at the end of the first half to keep the Gamecocks competitive with the ball.

What Worries Me

It does worry me that there was no electric scoring from any one player tonight.

In terms of scoring the Gamecocks team as a whole struggled to get field goals.

AJ Lawson struggled the entire game until the final minutes of play, which is worrisome considering offensively he is one of the Gamecocks more skilled players.

What To Watch For

The Gamecocks are phenomenal defensively.

South Carolina heavily contest shots while sprinting down to any mismatches in the paint or on the perimeter.

This weeks smothering defense on Georgia and Tennessee shows fans that if the Gamecocks can continue to play hard on defense, they can compete in any upcoming game.

3 thoughts on “Cardiac Cocks: Kotsar Puts Nail In The Volunteers Coffin”

  1. Dillon Sutter

    Love this gamecock team. I think they are a lock at this point to go to the dance barring any injuries or unforeseen losses.

    Reply

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