Men's Basketball . November 16, 2017

Gamecocks Set For Friday Matchup Against UTEP

Nov. 16, 2017

South Carolina vs UTEP

COLUMBIA, S.C. — South Carolina looks to rebound on Friday when it faces UTEP in Conway in the Puerto Rico Tip-Off at Myrtle Beach. The Gamecocks suffered a 69-65 loss to Illinois State on Thursday in its first game at the event.

STARTING FIVE

> South Carolina looks to rebound on Friday after suffering its first loss of the season, a 69-65 decision to Illinois State, on Thursday on the opening day of the Puerto Rico Tip-Off at Myrtle Beach at the HTC Center in Conway.
> Junior guard Hassani Gravett scored 10 points, while he pulled down a career high nine rebounds, which was a team high, and also dished a season high five assists, just one shy of matching his career high in Thursday’s contest.
> Last season, South Carolina was 7-3 in games following a loss.
> Gamecock head coach Frank Martin looks for his 99th win as head coach at South Carolina on Friday vs. the Miners
> South Carolina has hit at least nine 3s in each game this season, including a season high 11 vs. Wofford.

SCOUTING THE GAMECOCKS

>Three currently average double-figures for the Gamecocks, led by graduate transfer Frank Booker‘s 12.0 points per game. Junior guard Hassani Gravett, and sophomore forward Maik Kotsar are each averaging 10.0 points per game.
> The Gamecocks have been strong on the glass this season, averaging 43.7 rebounds per game, compared to 34.0 per game by opponents. In the matchup vs. Illinois State, Gravett led the Gamecocks with a career high nine rebounds.
> Chris Silva blocked three shots in the matchup vs. Illinois State, he is averaging 2.0 per game early this season.
> Gravett (5) and Booker (4) combined for nine of Carolina’s 14 assists in the loss to the Redbirds.
> The Carolina defense is allowing opponents to hit just 35.7 percent from the field, and 28.6 percent from 3-point range.

SCOUTING UTEP

> The Miners are led by head coach Tim Floyd in his eighth season.
> UTEP suffered a 58-56 loss to Boise State on Thursday, as the Broncos won in the final seconds of the contest.
> The Miners posted a 100-50 win over Louisiana College in their opener last week. UTEP began the game on a 32-0 run, fueld by eight points from guard Keith Frazier.
> Frazier scored 22 to pace all scorers in Thursday’s game, while fellow starter Matt Willms added 11 points.
> Frazier also pulled down a team high 10 rebounds for the double-double.
> UTEP struggled offensively vs. Boise State, hitting just 34.4 percent from the field and 22.2 percent (4-18) from 3-point range.