Jan. 9, 2010

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AUBURN, Ala. (AP) -Devan Downey scored 33 points to lead South Carolina to an 80-71 win over Auburn on Saturday in the team’s Southeastern Conference opener.

Downey shot just 4-for-12 in the first half to lead his team with 10 points. The Gamecocks (10-5, 1-0) leading scorer with 18.5 per game, scored 23 in the second half to lead all scorers in the road win.

South Carolina trailed 7-0 to start the game after turning the ball on three of its first five possessions. The Gamecocks redeemed themselves and led 32-29 at the break. The first half included seven ties and five lead changes.

Auburn (9-7, 0-1) struggled with the Gamecocks’ full court press, but tied the game at 52-52 with 10:06 to play. South Carolina went on an 8-0 run and never looked back.

Reserve Brendon Knox led Auburn with 22 points, DeWayne Reed scored 19, Lucas Hargrove had 12 and Frankie Sullivan added 10.