March 10, 2014

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – South Carolina guard Sindarius Thornwell was named Southeastern Conference Freshman of the Week, the league announced today.

The native of Lancaster, S.C., recorded his second double-double of the season, scoring 22 points to go with a season-high 11 rebounds in a 74-62 win at Mississippi State as he helped lead the Gamecocks to their first win in Starkville, Miss., since Jan. 27, 2007. He provided the initial spark to the Gamecocks offense on Saturday as he posted 15 points and seven rebounds during the opening 20 minutes.

The 20-point game was Thornwell’s sixth in SEC play, breaking B.J. McKie’s school record for most 20-point performances by a freshman in SEC games.

On the week, Thornwell averaged 14.5 points, 6.5 rebounds and four assists against No. 1 Florida and Mississippi State. This is the third time he has earned freshman of the week honors from the league.

Thornwell and the Gamecocks will face Auburn Wednesday night in the first round of the SEC Tournament. Tipoff is schedule for 7 p.m., ET at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, Ga., and air on SECTV.