The Daily Gamecock

Gamecocks suffocating opponents behind the arc

After holding Missouri to just a 1-17 performance in three-point attempts in Saturday's 63-53 victory, the Gamecocks' opponents are shooting just 25.4 percent from behind the arc, the lowest mark in the nation by a wide margin. 

To put that number in perspective, Kentucky, the next best team in the SEC against the three-pointer, is over five percentage points worse than South Carolina. Michigan, who the Gamecocks defeated 61-46 on Nov. 23, is the worst team in the country, allowing opponents to score on 42.3 percent of their three-point attempts. 

Eliminating their opponent's ability to score beyond the arc has made a staggering difference for the Gamecocks. Over their last four games, the Gamecocks have gone 33-84 in three-point attempts, while their opponents have gone just 12-75. Eight of the 12 threes allowed came in South Carolina's only loss during the stretch, an 85-69 loss to Kentucky. 

The Gamecocks broke Florida's 25-year streak of making at least one three-pointer in every game in their previous 850 contests, as the Gators went 0-17 in South Carolina's 57-53 victory.

"Just the few open looks the No. 1 rated defensive efficiency team in the country gives you, you got to make one or two of them," said Florida head coach Mark White. "We just couldn't get it going, and they're not exactly HORSE shots either, against these guys."

On Saturday Missouri's only three-pointer came with 11:48 remaining in the second half from sophomore guard Cullen VanLeer. 

“Obviously (South Carolina) is the best three-point defensive team in the league," Missouri coach Kim Anderson said. "They certainly padded that lead after tonight." 

Minimizing their opponent's ability to score from outside has effectively bailed the Gamecocks out when they've struggled to execute on offense. South Carolina's wins over Florida and Missouri were their lowest scoring outputs in victories this season, averaging just 60 points between the two games. 


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