South Carolina secured an 84-72 victory against Mercer, with Jamarii Thomas leading the charge with 19 points. Collin Murray-Boyles added 16 points and nine rebounds for the Gamecocks, who shot 49.1 percent from the floor. Mercer, led by Tyler Johnson’s 15 points, put up a strong fight but ultimately fell short. Despite a close first half, South Carolina pulled away in the second half with a strong performance down the stretch, outscoring Mercer 25-12 in the final minutes. Mercer’s hopes for an upset faded as they struggled to make field goals late in the game. South Carolina, under the guidance of first-year coach Ryan Ridder, showcased their determination and efficiency to secure the win. This victory marked South Carolina’s bounce-back from a previous loss to No. 16 Indiana and displayed their strength as a competitive team. The Gamecocks’ accurate shooting and teamwork were key factors in their success on the court, while Mercer’s effort and resilience were evident throughout the game. South Carolina’s depth and strong offensive plays ultimately proved to be the difference in this exciting matchup. With this win, South Carolina continues to build momentum and showcase their potential in the competitive college basketball landscape.
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