South Carolina Keeps the Magical Run Going, Captures East Regional Championship
Madison Sqaure Garden- Both teams were ready to play in the first half. Early on, Florida had a hard time getting the ball inside, making outside shots to get out to an early lead. In the first four minutes, both teams combined for 6 turnovers, again the defense playing solid. Sindarius Thornwell had no problems picking up where he left off after the 24-point outing against Baylor. Thornwell hit the first three of the game for the Gamecocks, putting them up 9-7. Florida would go 3 for 3 on field goals to take the lead 14-13. Both teams would go on a roll exchanging baskets to end the half, Florida leading 32-28 at the 3-minute mark. Florida got especially hot of both teams, hitting four of their last 5 field goals in the first half. Florida led at the half 40-33, Thornwell the leading scorer at 15.
South Carolina in that locker room was probably thinking, forget that first half, lets start fresh at 0-0. Indeed they did cutting the lead to 1 with 12:50 left to go. South Carolina retook the lead with 11:23 left to go on the basket from Kotsar. The Gamecocks defense was incredible in the second half, in the opening 9 minutes holding the Gators 3 of 14 from the field. HUGE and 1 from Leon at the 9:23 mark gave Florida the two-point lead. The only way to describe the second half was shootout. The shooting by both teams was amazing, something I could watch all day. At the 3 minute mark, everyone in the arena knew we were in for a good one. A silly turnover by Florida with 1:55 left to go, gave South Carolina a 4 point lead. All of that on a 6-0 sterech for the Gamecocks. The game was secure when Duane Notice hammered down the slam. East Regional Champs, South Carolina.
“All we wanted to do was make it” Thornwell added after the game, “It’s a blessing” PJ Dozier also added. “Anyone that is in sports dreams of moments like this, you dream it everyday” Martin added in the press conference. “I’ve never changed my mindset since day 1”.
South Carolina wins the East Region and advances to play #1 Seed Gonzaga in the Final 4 in Pheonix. Time fly’s by when you are having fun and it has been a pleasure covering the East Regional Finals in NYC. For continued coverage of March Madness, stay with Upstate Sports Zone… @upstate_sports
By Jake Martino
