Gamecocks top Kentucky at Rupp for first time in 14 years

LEXINGTON, Ky. – Meechie Johnson hit six 3-pointers and scored a career-high 26 factors to steer South Carolina over Kentucky 71-68 on Tuesday evening, profitable at Rupp Enviornment for the primary time in 14 years and giving coach Lamont Paris his first SEC victory.

The win was simply the third for the Gamecocks (8-8, 1-2) in 31 video games at Kentucky (10-6, 1-3) and the primary at Rupp Enviornment since January 2009.

Kentucky had its SEC-leading 28-game dwelling win streak snapped in what has been a decidedly disappointing begin to the season with its worst begin in SEC play since 1986-87.

Gregory “GG” Jackson II added 16 factors for the Gamecocks, who shot 48%, making 11 of 20 3-point makes an attempt, outscoring the Wildcats 21-12 on second-chance factors and surviving 15 turnovers.

Oscar Tshiebwe scored 19 factors and grabbed 12 rebounds, his ninth double this season for Kentucky. CJ Fredrick added 14 factors and Antonio Reeves 13, each off the bench. The Wildcats shot 51% however made simply 3 of 10 from the arc and seven of 14 from the road.

Kentucky was lacking ahead Jacob Toppin with a proper shoulder damage and guard Cason Wallace left halfway by way of the primary half with a decrease again concern. Each are double-figure scorers. Toppin’s standing is day-to-day.

South Carolina led all through and was up by 12 with 13 minutes remaining. Kentucky made a few runs on the Gamecocks and received inside some extent with 51 seconds to go after a 10-0 surge with Reeves and Fredrick hitting 3-pointers. Johnson then misplaced an inbounds move out of bounds with 20.2 left, the fourth turnover throughout the Wildcats’ run. However Kentucky missed a pair of 3-point makes an attempt to finish the sport.

Each groups have been coming off lopsided losses to top-10 groups, Kentucky falling to Alabama 78-52 and South Carolina shedding to Tennessee 85-42. However solely the Gamecocks responded at first, taking a 21-6 lead within the first seven minutes and a 42-32 halftime edge after capturing 57% with Johnson scoring 16 factors.

UP NEXT

On Saturday, South Carolina is dwelling in opposition to Texas A&M whereas Kentucky performs at Tennessee.

Story continues

NOT IN THEIR HOUSE

A fan was escorted from Rupp Enviornment after holding up an indication that mentioned “Please go to Texas,” directed at Kentucky coach John Calipari, who has been the topic of hypothesis that he is likely to be a candidate to switch fired Longhorns coach Chris Beard.

Kentucky basketball spokesman Deb Moore mentioned afterward the unidentified man was given the selection of placing the signal away however refused, and selected to depart.

Gamecocks prime Kentucky at Rupp for first time in 14 years initially appeared on NBCSports.com