Dec 22, 2003

Box Score?|? Quotes?|? Notes

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) – South Carolina took advantage of a slow start by South Carolina State to coast to a 86-50 victory over the Bulldogs Monday night.

The Gamecocks (11-1) got a career-high 21 points from guard Michael Boynton to improve their all-time record against the Bulldogs to 12-0. Forward Thurman Zimmerman scored 16 points for South Carolina State (3-4).

South Carolina led by 16 points at the half and started the second half with a 13-0 run to take command of the game.

South Carolina State shot 24.2 percent from the field in the first half, including 0-for-11 from 3-point range to trail 34-18 at the break.

It marked the sixth time in 12 games the Gamecocks have held a team to 20 points or less in a half.

The Bulldogs missed their first nine shots and made just three of their first 25 while South Carolina was building a 20-point lead in the first half.

Although South Carolina State’s missed its first nine shots over the opening 4? minutes, the Bulldogs were able to tie the game 2-2 with their first basket, thanks to a slow start by the Gamecocks.

The Bulldogs also hurt themselves with turnovers in the first half, committing nine. South Carolina had a 17-2 scoring advantage in points off turnovers.