The Gamecocks (10-8, 0-5) lost 82-62 in its sixth-ever matchup against the Oklahoma Sooners on Saturday afternoon. It was the first meeting between the two programs since 1992.
The Gamecocks traded baskets with the Sooners to start the game, with both teams struggling to keep hold of the ball early on. Both teams committed high amounts of turnovers and were unable to score consistently due to strong defenses inside the paint.
South Carolina’s offense began to find its rhythm later on in the first half when senior guard Jacob Wright knocked down a three-point shot from the top of the key to cut the Sooners lead to two. The Gamecocks were efficient to start from beyond the arc, shooting 5-9 from field goal range and 3-5 on three pointers at the under-12 media timeout.
Freshman guard Cam Scott tied the game at 20 with around nine minutes left in the first half after a steal by sophomore forward Collin Murray-Boyles, but Oklahoma answered with graduate guard Kobe Elvis sinking consecutive corner threes and a breakaway dunk by senior forward Jalon Moore.
The Gamecocks entered the halftime break down four, trailing 34-30 after sophomore guard Morris Ugusuk’s deep three at the buzzer from half court.
Junior guard Zachary Davis opened the second half with a corner three, and a three-point play by Ugusuk gave the Gamecocks its first lead of the game at 42-38.
Oklahoma restored its lead, going on a run where it made seven of its last 10 field goals. The Gamecocks went on a four-minute scoring drought, which the Sooners capitalized on to extend its lead to 21 points, the largest of the game.
Murray-Boyles fouled out with 5:07 left in the second half, leaving the Gamecocks without a presence inside as the Sooners pulled away with a 15-0 run to close the game.
Turnovers lead to critical scoring
The Gamecocks had 12 turnovers at halftime, while the Sooners had 11. However, Oklahoma scored 9 points off turnovers in the first half, while the Gamecocks only had 3.
These trends continued into the second half, as South Carolina finished the game with 16 turnovers compared to Oklahoma’s 12.
In transition, the Sooners managed to score a total of 19 points off turnovers in contrast to South Carolina’s 3. No points off turnovers in the second half allowed Oklahoma to take control of the game, taking advantage of chances to separate themselves.
Oklahoma also out-rebounded the Gamecocks 20 to 12 in the second half, outscoring the Gamecocks 34 to 20 in the paint along with 15 fast-break points.
Shooting woes
The Gamecocks shot 10-for-25 (40%) from the field in the first half, while the Sooners went a more efficient 12-for-23 (52%). From the three-point range, the Gamecocks connected on 4-of-12 attempts (33%), compared to the Sooners' 4-of-8 (50%).
In the second half, South Carolina shot with similar efficiency finishing from the field and improved from three finishing 21-for-51 (41%) from field goal range and 9-for-24 (38%) from beyond the arc. Oklahoma maintained its efficiency, shooting 28-for-50 (56%) overall and 8-for-17 (47%) from three-point range.
Although the Gamecocks attempted more shots, the Sooners had higher precision. Its accuracy from beyond the arc was led by Elvis, who went four-for-six from three-point range, contributing all twelve of his points from three point shots.
With the absence of senior guards Jamarii Thomas and Myles Stute due to injury, ball handling responsibilities have been given to Wright, who was formally a shooter.
Wright hit two three pointers, marking the first time he has shot 100% from beyond the arc in a game this season when having multiple attempts.
Forwards have profound impact
Coming off a season high 25 points vs. No. 1 Auburn last weekend, Murray-Boyles led the Gamecocks in rebounds with 10 and was only second to Ugusuk in points, scoring 11.
Despite having his fifth double-double of the season, Murray-Boyles was unable to avoid foul trouble gaining five fouls. His performance also included defensive prowess, boasting five steals in the first half.
For Oklahoma, senior forward Jalon Moore scored 22 points, leading the Sooners in fields goals made with six and also shooting 10-for-11 on free throws.
Moore also made eight rebounds, with seven of those coming on the defensive side of the ball.
What’s next?
The Gamecocks will return home to Colonial Life Arena on Jan. 22 to host No. 5 Florida. The game is set for tipoff at 7 p.m and will broadcast live on the SEC Network.