South Carolina suffered its first defeat of the season in falling 69-65 to a resilient Illinois State team.
The game was played in a very defensive manner that would often suit Frank Martin’s style; however, the Gamecocks were never able to get going on the offensive end.
FINAL: Illinois State advances in the @ESPNPRTipOff with a 69-65 win over South Carolina. #Gamecocks face loser of Boise State and UTEP tomorrow morning at 10:30 a.m.
— Gamecock MBB (@GamecockMBB) November 16, 2017
Illinois State was led by junior forward Milik Yarbrough, who finished with 18 points, six boards, and six assists.
The Redbirds also got major contributions from Keyshawn Evans (17 points) and Phil Fayne (14 points), both of whom posted double-digits in scoring on the day.
South Carolina was able to get 10 points each from the trio of Hassani Gravett, Chris Silva, and Frank Booker.
Although Booker’s nice outing comes in a loss, Gamecock fans will be happy to see the graduate transfer contributing to the team early on in the season.
Sherrer’s Analysis
Martin’s team showed intensity and defensive prowess throughout the game.
Unfortunately for the Gamecocks, it was not enough to overcome the poor offensive play that plagued them all game long.
South Carolina shot 18 of 61 (30%) from the field and 9 of 32 from 3-point range.
Any team in the country will struggle to win games when shooting those types of numbers.
Also, South Carolina must stay out of foul trouble and avoid fouling out of the game as three Carolina players did in this game.
Silva, arguably South Carolina’s best player, only played 17 minutes as a result of getting into early foul trouble while Maik Kotsar, a key piece of the Carolina frontline, only played 22 minutes. Both players fouled out.
The Redbirds hurt South Carolina continuously in the paint and it shows in the box score. If Martin’s big men simply stayed on the floor longer, this contest could have had a different outcome.
The good news is that college basketball season has just begun, and South Carolina has a lot ahead of them.
This team has potential and any team under the guidance of Martin has a chance to make noise throughout the year.
Don’t write off the Gamecocks just yet.
South Carolina will face UTEP tomorrow at 10:30AM ET in the first consolation round of the Puerto Rico Tip-Off.