Feb. 4, 2006

Final Stats

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (AP) – Jonathon Modica scored a career-high 37 points to lead Arkansas to a 73-59 win over South Carolina on Saturday.

Modica had 20 points in the first half as the Razorbacks rolled to a 39-21 lead at the break. He finished 11-of-17 from the field and 6-of-9 from 3-point range, surpassing his previous career high of 33 points set in 2004 against Mississippi State.

Arkansas was coming off a 78-76 loss at Kentucky last Sunday in which the Wildcats rallied from an 18-point deficit. South Carolina pulled to 65-55 with 2:55 remaining, but Modica had a driving 3-point play, a layup off a fast break and a 3-pointer to push the lead back to 18.

The Razorbacks (15-6, 4-4 Southeastern Conference) have lost four league games by a combined 12 points. Their four wins were by 12, 16, 13 and 14.

Neither team had played since last weekend, and both struggled offensively early. South Carolina led 6-2 before Modica made the first of four first-half 3-pointers with 15:04 remaining. That shot started a 7-0 run that put Arkansas ahead for good.

Modica was open repeatedly against the Gamecocks’ zone, and his second 3-pointer made it 21-10.

Modica made back-to-back 3-pointers to put the Razorbacks ahead 35-15 with 3:56 to play. His six 3-pointers in the game also set a career high.

Charles Thomas scored 13 points for Arkansas, and Ronnie Brewer added 10. Tarence Kinsey scored 14 points for the Gamecocks (11-10, 2-6).