Cardiac Cocks: Gamecocks Pull Out Thrilling Overtime Win Over Georgia

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The South Carolina Gamecocks narrowly defeated the Georgia Bulldogs to keep their NCAA tournament odds alive. 

With an SEC battle coming to the Gamecocks in Colonial Life Arena, this game was a ‘can’t lose game’ as the Gamecocks were fighting for any chance to make the March Madness tournament.

In a matter of hours South Carolina was moved to Joe Lunardi’s bubble for the last four out, giving them a chance to make the NCAA March Madness tournament for the 2019-2020 campaign.

Alonzo Frink had a career night with a new high of 22 points, creating electric offense in the paint and staying strong on defense in the paint getting a few blocks.

The first half was full of Gamecock spectacle, with two disgusting dunks at the hands of sophomore Keshawn Bryant, one of which was the AllState Mayhem Moment of the game as he posterized a defender from outside of the paint. 

South Carolina scored 85% of their first half points in the paint with 34 points of their 40 being in the hole. 

Freshman McCreary made a great impact off the bench for the Gamecocks going a perfect five-for-five from the field with ten points in the first half of play.

South Carolina had four players score double digits in points, including Keshawn Bryant who earned a near triple double with 12 points and nine rebounds, Maik Kotsar with 12 points and four assists, Jalyn McCreary with a perfect shooting percentage and 10 points, and Alonzo Frink with a career high of 22 points.

Projected number one NBA Draft pick Anthony “Ant-man” Edwards had a much better night against the Gamecocks, where he logged 36 points in CLA. 

What I Didn’t Like

A big concern for South Carolina is that they didn’t make one three-point shot the entire first-half.

With the changing game of basketball relying more and more behind the arch, this is a major concern looking towards the postseason as many teams are defensively heavy in the paint which calls for the Gamecocks to get their three-ball going.

Other than the lack of deep shots, USC is continuing its trend of making tons of unnecessary turnovers.

Georgia had 14 points off of seven South Carolina turnovers in the first half, showing that the turnover problem is continuing  toward the end of the season. 

What I Liked

I will be the first person to tell you that I have always been critical of TJ Moss’ game.

However, I absolutely loved how effective South Carolina was with him in the pick and roll.

The Alonzo Frink-TJ Moss pick and roll was dominant, obviously getting Frink to a career high of points for the night. 

Keshawn Bryant looked so electric tonight and I am confident when I say that I believe he is going to become the face of Gamecock basketball next season.

His putbacks and flushes are phenomenal and breath-taking highlight reel plays.

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