On his senior night, Sindarius Thornwell made sure that South Carolina came away with the win, as he guided the Gamecocks to a 63-57 victory over Mississippi State.
Thornwell led South Carolina with 22 points, including 17 in the second half, and six rebounds.
Despite shooting 1-11 from three-point range and just 28 percent from the field in the first half, South Carolina was still able to maintain a three-point lead entering the halftime. Through the first half, the Gamecocks struggled offensively, as they went scoreless for multiple stretches including one stretch that lasted over six minutes.
Yet despite the shooting woes, the Gamecocks were able to outrebound Mississippi State 20-16 in the first half, including seven more offensive rebounds than the Bulldogs. This differential on the boards was also paired with the South Carolina winning the first half turnover margin, as they forced Mississippi State into 10 turnovers while only committing four themselves.
This domination on the glass and turnovers would not carry into the second half though, as South Carolina was forced to find another way to stay in the game against the hot shooting Bulldogs. And just as they have all season, they turned to their SEC Player of the Year candidate, Sindarius Thornwell.
South Carolina came out of halftime looking to feed their star the basketball, and Thornwell in turn, delivered. He scored 11 of the Gamecocks first 13 points and almost single handedly swelled their lead to 10 points with 12:52 remaining in the game.
“When Sin realized that it was the second half and it was time to do some things, he kinda put his foot on the petal there and made some plays, made some shots,” said coach Frank Martin. “That’s what he does for us.”
This lead would not last as Mississippi State stormed back, going on a 17-5 run to take a two-point lead behind a three-point barrage headed by Tyson Carter. But just as he had earlier, Thornwell responded for the Gamecocks, along with his fellow senior Duane Notice.
With 4:18 remaining in the game, and a victory on their senior night slipping away, Thornwell and Notice took matters into their own hands. Thornwell instantly attacked the hoop and got fouled. With his two free throws, the lead was reclaimed for South Carolina. Then, just under two minutes later, Notice hit a three to bring Colonial Life Arena to life and seemingly seal seal the victory for South Carolina.
“That was the turning point in the game,” said Thornwell on Notice’s shot.
“He deserved that ball to go in the basket for him,” said Martin as he reflected on Notice’s late three. “He means so much to our team and this program.”
It was a fitting end for the two seniors who, along with fellow senior Justin McKie, have guided the Gamecocks to more conference wins in every successive season of their collegiate careers.
With the win, South Carolina secured a top-four seed in the SEC Tournament and a double bye. The Gamecocks travel to Ole Miss on Saturday as they look to end the regular season with a record of 22-8.