(AP Photo/Mary Ann Chastain)
COLUMBIA, S.C. – Devan Downey scored 12 of his 18 points in the second half to help push South Carolina past Vanderbilt, 86-76, Wednesday night at the Colonial Life Center.
“(Devan) Downey was obviously sensational in the second half and that’s why he’s such a good player,” said Vanderbilt head coach Kevin Stallings. “He’s capable of taking over games. He took this game over in the second half.”
The Commodores (12-8, 1-5) trailed 42-30 but rallied to take the lead with a 19-6 run to start the second half. The Gamecocks (15-4, 4-2 SEC) answered back with an 11-0 run and never trailed again to pick up its third consecutive SEC win.
“I thought our kids played hard and really fought hard,” added Stallings. “At times, we played really well, just not well enough to win a 40-minute basketball game.”
Jeffery Taylor led the Commodores with a career-high 23 points and seven rebounds while George Drake had a personal best 18 points with five rebounds. Brad Tinsley added 15 points and Jermaine Beal finished with 13.
Vanderbilt will next travel to Auburn for a 1 p.m. CT tipoff Saturday.
