Gamecocks Lose Close Opener to UNF, 74-71
COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — Jaylen Smith played a key role in North Florida’s comeback, scoring 14 of his 16 points in the second half as the Ospreys edged out South Carolina 74-71 in their season opener on Monday night.
North Florida was down 36-31 at halftime and fell behind by five points at 64-59, following a layup by South Carolina’s Jacobi Wright with just over four minutes left. However, a series of quick plays turned the game around. Smith hit two free throws, then Kamrin Oriol and Jasai Miles each made a 3-pointer. Smith capped off the team’s 10-2 run with a layup, giving the Ospreys a 69-66 lead with only 42 seconds remaining.
In the closing moments, Nate Lliteras made his free throws, and Smith added a three-point play with just 9 seconds on the clock, securing the win for North Florida.
Liam Murphy contributed off the bench for the Ospreys with 14 points, including four 3-pointers, and six rebounds. Lliteras finished with 13 points and five rebounds, while Miles had 11 points and nine rebounds. Oriol scored nine points, showcasing his shooting from beyond the arc.
For South Carolina, preseason SEC standout Collin Murray-Boyles led the team with 17 points and seven rebounds. Wright, Zachary Davis, and Jamarii Thomas each scored 12 points. Freshman Cam Scott, who was a notable player in high school, marked his debut with six points and four rebounds in 21 minutes.
This was the second time North Florida faced South Carolina to open a season; they lost the previous matchup in 2014 but went on to win the Atlantic Sun Conference championship that year.
South Carolina’s head coach, Lamont Paris, who is the reigning SEC Coach of the Year, saw his record in season openers drop to 2-1 this time around.
Key Stats:
- North Florida dominated the boards, grabbing 15 offensive rebounds and out-rebounding South Carolina 43-37. They led in second-chance points, 12-7.
- South Carolina made 14 of their 25 attempts from the free-throw line, a success rate of 56%.
Notable Performances:
- Four Gamecocks scored in double-digits, with Collin Murray-Boyles leading with 17 points and matching his career-high of four blocks.
- Jacobi Wright was efficient, making 6 of his 8 shots and distributing six assists.
- Nick Pringle set the tone on the boards with nine rebounds and added three blocks to his performance.
Upcoming Games:
The Gamecocks will play two more home games before heading to Assembly Hall on November 16 to face No. 17/18 Indiana. They are set to host SC State on Friday and Towson the following Tuesday, with both games starting at 7 p.m. ET on SEC Network+.
