In a Saturday matchup, senior transfer BJ Mack from Wofford delivered an impressive performance, scoring 21 points to aid South Carolina in securing a 72-64 victory over Missouri. This win allowed South Carolina to complete a regular-season series sweep. Mack had previously led South Carolina with 21 points in their overtime win against the Tigers on January 13.
South Carolina entered the game with momentum, having recently defeated No. 6 Kentucky, 79-62, on Tuesday. Mack’s significant contribution, particularly with 15 points in the first half, helped the Gamecocks establish a 10-point lead of 39-29 at halftime. Although South Carolina forced 12 turnovers from Missouri in the first half, resulting in 10 points, they managed to capitalize on only five points from a dozen second-half turnovers by Missouri.
Missouri briefly took the lead in the second half, but Mack responded with a three-point play, and South Carolina regained control. Despite two ties in the game, South Carolina consistently answered each threat from the Tigers. Key plays from Josh Gray, Jacobi Wright, and Ta’Lon Cooper secured the lead for South Carolina, ultimately resulting in a 72-64 victory.
Mack showcased his scoring ability by hitting 6 of 11 shots from the field, including 2 of 5 from beyond the arc, and making 7 of 11 free throws. South Carolina’s balanced scoring included contributions from Cooper with 12 points, Wright with 10, and Morris Ugusuk providing a perfect 3-for-3 performance off the bench, contributing 10 points with two 3-pointers and two successful free throws.
Despite Meechie Johnson, a key player for the Gamecocks, going scoreless (0-for-9 from the field, 0-7 from 3-point range), South Carolina improved to a 17-3 overall record and a 5-2 record in the Southeastern Conference.
For Missouri (8-12, 0-7 SEC), East led the scoring with 21 points and seven assists, while Bates contributed 16 points and seven rebounds.
South Carolina is set to face No. 5 Tennessee on Tuesday, while Missouri will return home to host Arkansas on Wednesday. In other SEC action on Saturday, notable outcomes included Florida’s 102-98 overtime victory against Georgia, Mississippi State’s 64-58 upset win over Auburn, and fifth-ranked Tennessee’s 75-62 victory at Vanderbilt. Additionally, sixth-ranked Kentucky defeated Arkansas 63-57, Alabama dominated LSU with a 109-88 win, and Ole Miss secured a 71-68 victory at Texas A&M.
The Missouri women’s team, hosting Arkansas on Sunday afternoon, suffered a 67-58 loss. Ashton Judd led with 22 points, and Hayley Frank contributed 13 for Missouri. With a bye week ahead, the Tigers will travel to face the University of Tennessee for a 1 PM matchup with the Lady Vols on Sunday, February 4th.
