Team Report: Jan. 24, 2011

The South Carolina Gamecocks (12-6, 3-2) are coming off a 67-58 loss at the hands of the No. 12 Kentucky Wildcats (15-4, 3-2).

The Gamecocks were coming into the ballgame on the strength of two consecutive SEC victories at Florida and a home overtime win vs. Arkansas.  A win against Kentucky would've given the Gamecocks a two game lead in the SEC eastern division, but the Wildcats pulled even with South Carolina in conference play.

The young Gamecocks trailed from beginning to end as Kentucky controlled the game from the opening tip.  Brandon Knight had 23 points for the Wildcats and Terrance Jones bounced back to have a solid game for Kentucky, recording 14 points and seven rebounds.

Sam Muldrow was the lone bright spot for Carolina, scoring a career-high 23 and pulling down 13 rebounds.  Freshman and leading scorer Bruce Ellington was limited due to foul trouble for a second consecutive game and was held to a modest four points.

Even with the loss to Kentucky, Head Coach Darrin Horn has to be pleased with the play of his young team, who was predicted by most college basketball experts to finish last in the SEC East.  There is plenty to look forward to this season for Horn and South Carolina.

South Carolina will welcome the struggling Auburn Tigers to the Colonial Life Arena this Saturday, giving the Gamecocks a week to prepare.  Coach Horn should use this time to get his team re-focused after the loss to Kentucky, as they have winnable games coming up in the next couple weeks.

A big key to South Carolina's success so far has been the great play of Sam Muldrow and Bruce Ellington.  If the Gamecocks wish to continue their winning ways, Ellington must stay out of foul trouble and Muldrow has to continue to be a defensive force in the paint.  If Ellington stays out of trouble, his ability to run the offense gives the Gamecocks a better chance to create opportunities in transition.  His quickness creates chances for second chance points and also gives the Gamecocks a good three point threat.

Player to Watch:
Ramon Galloway
Galloway has been outperforming starter Brian Richardson at the shooting guard position for the most part this year.  If Horn leaves Richardson in the starting lineup, Galloway will continue to get chances to give the Gamecocks a spark from the bench. Before recording six points and five rebounds against Kentucky, Galloway scored 21 against Arkansas and was a big part of South Carolina's OT win.  Look for Galloway to continue his solid play and give the Gamecocks a great option off the bench.

Next 3:
vs. Auburn (7-12, 0-5)
at LSU (10-9, 2-2)
at (19)Vanderbilt (14-4, 2-2)