The Daily Gamecock

Men's basketball survives thriller against Chanticleers

In a game that saw eight ties and eight lead changes, head coaches Frank Martin and Cliff Ellis both agreed that the South Carolina men's basketball team (8-2) stole a win over in-state rival Coastal Carolina. 

Behind Hassani Gravett's game-winning 3-point play, the Gamecocks won 80-78 at Colonial Life Arena on Saturday. 

With less than eight minutes remaining, the Chanticleers held a 69-64 lead. The Gamecocks were able to tie the game at 76, with just two minutes remaining. 

Mistakes down the stretch ended up costing the Chanticleers the game. Gravett made a layup, and drew a foul to give the Gamecocks an 80-78 lead with 5.5 seconds left.

Coastal Carolina had the ball in Jaylen Shaw's hands, but he missed an open 3-pointer that would have given the Chanticleers the win. 

The Gamecocks' comeback would not have been complete without big shots and big 3-pointers in crunch time. They finished the day going 8-for-20 while Coastal Carolina went 10-for-24 from the field. Frank Booker led the Gamecocks with 19 points, followed by Chris Silva and Justin Minaya, who scored 15 and 13, respectively. Silva led the team with nine rebounds. 

Despite the win, Martin made it clear that this game will be used as a learning experience. 

"I don't care right now about the score of games," Martin said. "I don't care whether we're tired or not tired, we're gonna learn to do things the right way.... if we win great, if we don't, thats OK, we gonna learn how to do things the right way."  

Gravett hopes to learn from his mistakes, too. The starting guard missed a free throw and had a turnover late in the game. 

"When I turn it over, I'm just getting the ball and trying to put my team in the best position for the next play," Gravett said. 

Martin said the Gamecocks have had continued issues defending on the ball this season. He said he would not revert to zone defense, forcing his players to learn how to defend on the ball. 

During a timeout, he said, "I don't care if we lose, I am not playing zone. You guys are going to learn to take ownership and guard the ball. Figure out a way to get some courage in you." 

Next up, the Gamecocks will focus on finishing Final Exams and will travel to Clemson on Dec. 19 for their next game. 


Comments