Nov. 25, 2005

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) – Renaldo Balkman scored 14 points and had 12 rebounds as South Carolina defeated Alaska-Anchorage 65-60 Thursday night in the Carrs/Safeway Great Alaska Shootout.

The Gamecocks (3-0) managed to hold off the pesky Division II Seawolves (4-2) with Balkman’s aggressive inside play on both sides of the court.

Besides leading the Gamecocks in scoring along with guard Tarence Kinsey, the 6-foot-8 Balkman dominated on defense with four blocks and three steals.

The Seawolves hung on through most of the game through the play of Kemmy Burgess. The Alaska-Anchorage guard scored 28 points, nine of them in the final minute.

But Rocky Trice dashed any hopes of a last-minute comeback with a breakaway dunk moments after Burgess turned around six points with a three-point play followed by a 3-point shot.

The Gamecocks led 31-21 at halftime, making up for often cold shooting with strong defense. They finished with 15 blocks, eight steals and forced 15 turnovers.

South Carolina never trailed, leading by as much as 14 points in the second half.

South Carolina on Friday will play the winner of Monmouth-Southern Illinois. Alaska-Anchorage will play the loser.