Gamecocks win season opener

By: The Associated Press | SCNow
Published: November 14, 2009

COLUMBIA — Devan Downey scored 23 points and as South Carolina opened its season with an 88-50 win over Alabama A&M on Friday night.
Downey, the all-Southeastern Conference guard who passed up the NBA to return for his senior season, made his first five shots from the field, including three 3-pointers. He finished the night 7-of-9 from the field, hitting four of five 3s.
The Gamecocks scored the first 14 points of the game to quickly put away the Bulldogs, who finished in the middle of the Southwestern Athletic Conference last season.
Along with Downey, South Carolina returned three other starters from last year’s 21-10 team and they combined for 65 points.
Evan Hilton led the Bulldogs with 13 points.
This is the most anticipated season for South Carolina basketball in a decade, and the Gamecocks wasted no time showing why they are expecting to be in the NCAA tournament this season.
Downey had an assist, steal and a 3 in the first minute of the game. South Carolina made 12 of its first 15 shots and jumped out to a 30-11 lead.
The Gamecocks improved in just about every area, making 71.9 percent of their free throws after shooting 63.9 percent from the line a year ago.
The South Carolina defense continued to be tough, forcing 24 turnovers and holding Alabama A&M to 36.4 percent shooting from the field.
The Gamecocks’ four returning starters just rolled over the Bulldogs. Dominique Archie had 15 points, Lee Central’s Mike Holmes added 14 and Wilson’s Sam Muldrow had 13 points and seven rebounds.
But South Carolina’s heralded newcomers struggled a bit. Johndre Jefferson got in quick foul trouble, finishing with eight points. Lakeem Jackson missed all six of his shots and Ramon Galloway shot 1-for-6 from the field, finishing with four points and six rebounds.
Alabama A&M finished 8-19 a year ago and started just two players who played last season. They have one senior, Hilton, who sat out last season with a medical redshirt.
Bo Amusa scored 10 points and Adam Young had nine rebounds for the Bulldogs.

Gamecocks win season opener

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