Duke gets KO’d in East
South Carolina recovers from poor shooting in the first half to upset the No. 2 seed.
GREENVILLE, S.C. — South Carolina is heading to Madison Square Garden — and not for the NIT.
A Gamecocks program known largely — and mocked often by some — for its NIT championships in 2005 and 2006 is now heading to the world’s most famous arena as part of the NCAA’s Sweet 16. They are making their first appearance in the regional semifinals since the bracket expanded after an 88-81 victory Sunday night over No. 2 seed Duke.
And Sindarius Thornwell says he believes bigger things are ahead. “We’re not satisfied,” he said. “We’re in it, so why not win it?”
The Gamecocks (24-10) seem capable of anything after this one.
Thornwell had 24 points, Chris Silva scored 13 of his 17 points in the second half and Duane Notice had 17 points, 14 in a 65-point second half, as South Carolina rallied from 10 points down.
The 65 points were the most given up in a half by a Mike Krzyzewski-coached Duke team.
The Gamecocks shook off a 20%-shooting first half for the win.
“I told the guys at halftime, someone’s got to have the courage and make shots,” South Carolina Coach Frank Martin said.
When the horn sounded, South Carolina players, coaches and staff rushed to the fans at Bon Secours Wellness Arena to celebrate — a crowd that included Houston Texans Pro Bowl defensive end Jadeveon Clowney, a former Gamecock. Next up is the East Regional, where South Carolina takes on third-seeded Baylor.
The Blue Devils (28-9) could not surmount South Carolina’s stifling defense. Leading scorer Luke Kennard had his second straight subpar shooting game, making one of six shots for 11 points before fouling out.
The Blue Devils made five of their eight three-point attempts in the first half, yet only five of 19 after the break.
Krzyzewski said South Carolina’s physical nature wore down his team in the second half.
“That’s the most physical team we’ve faced all year,” he said.