Dec. 10, 2007

University of South Carolina point guard Devan Downey was named the Southeastern Conference Player of the Week for the week of December 3-9, the conference office announced today.

Downey, a 5-9, 175-pounder from Chester, S.C. led the Gamecocks to a 68-67 win over Providence in the Pizza Hut Big East/SEC Invitational, totaling 21 points with five steals and five assists in the victory. His fifth steal of the game led to a fastbreak layup for a 65-59 Carolina lead, ending a six-minute Gamecock scoring drought.

The South Carolina win was the only SEC victory in the four-game set against the Big East Conference.

Downey ranks fifth in the SEC in scoring (18.4 ppg), is fourth in assists (4.8 apg) and second in steals (3.4 spg). The transfer from Cincinnati has scored in double figures in all nine games this season.

The Gamecocks swept the league’s Player of the Week awards this week, as Demetress Adams was named the SEC women’s basketball Player of the Week as well.

South Carolina (5-4) will not be in action this week due to final exams. The Gamecocks will return to the court on Wednesday, Dec. 19 when they host the Baylor Bears (6-1) in the Colonial Center. Game time is set for 7:30 p.m.