Jan. 24, 2009

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COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) – Devan Downey scored 22 points and South Carolina defeated Mississippi 82-71 on Saturday night.

The Gamecocks (14-4, 3-2 Southeastern Conference), who defeated No. 24 Florida on a shot at the buzzer Wednesday night, went on a 26-5 run against the Rebels that started with the last basket of the first half and carried over to the first eight minutes of the second.

Downey hit a 3-pointer with four seconds remaining in the first half to give the Gamecocks the lead for good at 37-35. Dominique Archie and Mike Holmes then led a charge that saw South Carolina score the first 11 points of the second half.

The Rebels (10-9, 1-4) missed their first five field goal attempts in the second half, before David Huertas hit two free throws. Mississippi didn’t make a field goal until the 11:23 mark when Huertus hit a 3-pointer.

Huertas scored 27 points for Mississippi.