The Gamecocks improved to 4-0 in SEC play with a 67-56 win over Ole Miss.
After a missed layup by sophomore forward Chris Silva and a missed jumper by senior guard Sindarius Thornwell, sophomore guard PJ Dozier extended South Carolina's first possesion with a second offensive rebound. He capitalized on the Gamecocks' third chance, sinking a jumper from the corner to give South Carolina a 2-0 lead.
Just over a minute later, Dozier completed a four-point play by sinking a three-pointer and an additional foul shot.
The first two minutes of play succinctly summarized the first half as a whole for South Carolina. There weren't a lot of uncontested opportunities early on, and outside of Dozier, the Gamecocks struggled to execute on those limited chances. But even when shots weren't falling, they drew hard fouls and dominated the glass.
"Even though we couldn't get lined up and couldn't make a shot, we rebounded the ball," said coach Frank Martin. "It never took away the steam with the effort and discipline we played defense."
With their leading-scorer Deandre Burnett out due to a high-ankle sprain, the Rebels struggled offensively all night. The Gamecocks were able force turnovers and rushed shots with aggressive coverage.
Both teams shot under 30 percent from the floor in the first half, but the Gamecocks went to the locker room up 34-20. Dozier would score 15 of his 16 points in the first half.
At halftime South Carolina Rhodes Scholar Jory Fleming was honored by the Gamecocks. Fleming was designated as honorary team captain.
"We provide the field and the court, the athletic venues to promote our athletes a lot. And because they score 21 points in a game, or whatever, they get to sit here and visit with you. They get to go on the court in front of 17,000 people," Martin said. "That's awesome, they've earned their right for those moments. But what a great opportunity to honor a young man like him that's accomplished so much at a young age the same platform."
The South Carolina football team was also recognized, where it was announced that linebacker Skai Moore would return for his senior season. Moore was second-team SEC in 2015, but missed all of the 2016 season with a neck injury.
The Gamecocks were more efficient in the second half, shooting 47.6 percent from the field. Freshman guard Raykm Felder hit a pair of threes and scored 12 points off the bench in the half. Silva would match Dozier with 16 points to lead all scorers.
The Gamecocks maintained a 10-rebound advantage over Ole Miss. Silva paced the team with 11 boards.
However, for the second consecutive game, South Carolina committed at least 20 turnovers.
Up next, the Gamecocks will face the two other teams in the SEC that are currently undefeated in conference play. The No. 23 Florida Gators will face the Gamecocks at Colonial Life Arena on Jan. 18. South Carolina will travel to No. 6 Kentucky on Jan. 21.