BLOOMINGTON, Ind. (AP) — Myles Rice had an impressive game, scoring 23 points, with 17 coming in the first half, leading No. 16 Indiana to a solid 87-71 victory over South Carolina on Saturday.
Rice, a transfer from Washington State, shot 7 of 10 from the field, including 3 of 4 from beyond the arc, and made all six of his free throws. The Hoosiers (3-0) maintained control throughout the second half, with their closest lead being eight points in the final minute.
Mackenzie Mgbako also contributed significantly, adding 17 points for Indiana.
Morris Ugusuk was the standout for the Gamecocks (2-2), scoring 18 points and sinking four 3-pointers.
Rice made crucial back-to-back shots, including a 3-pointer with just 17 seconds left in the first half, helping Indiana to a 43-32 lead at halftime.
Collin Murray-Boyles had a rough outing, scoring just two points before picking up two fouls and sitting out for a portion of the game. He eventually fouled out with 8:16 remaining on the clock.
The Gamecocks are set to return home to take on Mercer next Thursday, while the Hoosiers will host UNC Greensboro on the same day.
KEY STAT
- This was the first time this season that the Gamecocks shot below 40%. Despite making seven 3-pointers in the first half, they managed only 1 of 9 shots from beyond the arc in the second half. They also struggled at the free-throw line, hitting 15 of 23 (65.2%).
- Indiana shot well overall, finishing the game with 51% (26 of 51) from the field and an impressive 81.8% (27 of 33) at the free-throw line.
NOTABLE
- Morris Ugusuk had a standout performance, achieving a career-high 18 points off the bench, including four 3-pointers, marking his best game as a Gamecock.
- Nick Pringle recorded his first double-double of the season, scoring 14 points and grabbing 11 rebounds, despite not scoring in the first half.
UP NEXT
The Gamecocks will take a break until next Thursday when they play at home in Colonial Life Arena against Mercer (2-2). The game will tip-off at 7 p.m. (ET) and will be available on SEC Network+.
