The Daily Gamecock

PHOTOS: Fans storm court after Gamecock men's basketball defeats No. 6 Kentucky Wildcats

The South Carolina Gamecocks delivered a decisive upset over the No. 6 Kentucky Wildcats at a sold-out Colonial Life Arena on Jan. 23, 2024. The Gamecocks' defense played a large role in the 79-62 victory over the Wildcats. Fans across the arena stormed the court following the game, with players encouraging them to run onto the court. South Carolina is now 4-2 in conference play.

Gamecock fans rushed onto the court at Colonial Life Arena on Jan. 23, 2024, after the South Carolina men's basketball team defeated the No. 6 Kentucky Wildcats 79-62. The game broke the men's basketball single-game student attendance record, with 5,000 students granted tickets.
Gamecock fans rushed onto the court at Colonial Life Arena on Jan. 23, 2024, after the South Carolina men's basketball team defeated the No. 6 Kentucky Wildcats 79-62. The game broke the men's basketball single-game student attendance record, with 5,000 students granted tickets.
Graduate student forward B.J. Mack attempts a layup during the Gamecock basketball game against the No. 6 Kentucky Wildcats on Jan. 23, 2024. Mack averages 13.5 points per game for the Gamecocks and contributed 8 during its 79-62 victory over the Wildcats.
Graduate student forward B.J. Mack attempts a layup during the Gamecock basketball game against the No. 6 Kentucky Wildcats on Jan. 23, 2024. Mack averages 13.5 points per game for the Gamecocks and contributed 8 during its 79-62 victory over the Wildcats.
Senior forward Josh Gray hangs onto the basket after a successful dunk at Colonial Life Arena on Jan. 23, 2024. Gray scored 9 points for the Gamecocks during its 79-62 victory over the No.6 Kentucky Wildcats.
Senior forward Josh Gray hangs onto the basket after a successful dunk at Colonial Life Arena on Jan. 23, 2024. Gray scored 9 points for the Gamecocks during its 79-62 victory over the No.6 Kentucky Wildcats.
Freshman forward Collin Murray-Boyles speaks on the importance of defense in the Gamecocks' ability to defeat the No. 6 Kentucky Wildcats on Jan. 23, 2024. The Gamecocks held the Wildcats, who have been the highest-scoring team in the country, to 62 points.
Freshman forward Collin Murray-Boyles speaks on the importance of defense in the Gamecocks' ability to defeat the No. 6 Kentucky Wildcats on Jan. 23, 2024. The Gamecocks held the Wildcats, who have been the highest-scoring team in the country, to 62 points.
Junior guard Meechie Johnson falls to the floor after a successful shot for the Gamecocks during its 79-62 victory over the No. 6 Kentucky Wildcats on Jan. 23, 2024. Johnson has averaged 16.6 points per game this season.
Junior guard Meechie Johnson falls to the floor after a successful shot for the Gamecocks during its 79-62 victory over the No. 6 Kentucky Wildcats on Jan. 23, 2024. Johnson has averaged 16.6 points per game this season.
During the post-game celebration at Colonial Life Arena, fans lifted junior guard Meechie Johnson while he took videos on their phones. Johnson scored 14 points for South Carolina in its 79-62 victory over No. 6 Kentucky on Jan. 23, 2024.
During the post-game celebration at Colonial Life Arena, fans lifted junior guard Meechie Johnson while he took videos on their phones. Johnson scored 14 points for South Carolina in its 79-62 victory over No. 6 Kentucky on Jan. 23, 2024.
Graduate student guard Ta'Lon Cooper brings the basketball back to referees after the Gamecocks drew a foul during its game against the Kentucky Wildcats on Jan. 23, 2024. Cooper was the leading scorer for South Carolina in its win over No. 6 Kentucky, with 20 points in the 79-62 victory.
Graduate student guard Ta'Lon Cooper brings the basketball back to referees after the Gamecocks drew a foul during its game against the Kentucky Wildcats on Jan. 23, 2024. Cooper was the leading scorer for South Carolina in its win over No. 6 Kentucky, with 20 points in the 79-62 victory.
Gamecock graduate student forward B.J. Mack fights off Wildcat freshman forward Aaron Bradshaw during an offensive play for South Carolina on Jan. 23, 2024. Mack had seven rebounds during the game.
Gamecock graduate student forward B.J. Mack fights off Wildcat freshman forward Aaron Bradshaw during an offensive play for South Carolina on Jan. 23, 2024. Mack had seven rebounds during the game.
The Gamecock men's basketball bench celebrates after a teammate scores a 3-point shot during the South Carolina victory over the No. 6 Kentucky Wildcats on Jan. 23, 2024. South Carolina made 11 3-point shots in its 79-62 victory over Kentucky.
The Gamecock men's basketball bench celebrates after a teammate scores a 3-point shot during the South Carolina victory over the No. 6 Kentucky Wildcats on Jan. 23, 2024. South Carolina made 11 3-point shots in its 79-62 victory over Kentucky.
Junior guard Jacobi Wright lands after a successful 3-point jump shot during the Gamecocks 79-62 victory against the No. 6 Kentucky Wildcats on Jan. 23, 2024. Wright scored 14 points for the Gamecocks at a sold-out Colonial Life Arena.
Junior guard Jacobi Wright lands after a successful 3-point jump shot during the Gamecocks 79-62 victory against the No. 6 Kentucky Wildcats on Jan. 23, 2024. Wright scored 14 points for the Gamecocks at a sold-out Colonial Life Arena.