COLOMBIA, SC – – AJ Lawson scored 25 points and hit two free throws in the final seconds in South Carolina’s 78-71 victory over Florida A&M on Saturday, when the Gamecocks first played in 28 days.
The COVID-19 problems that have happened to the South Carolina program (2-2) since December 5 were still in evidence, as the team had only nine players available. Jermaine Couisnard added 15 points, five assists and four steals, Justin Minaya got his first double-double of the season with 10 points and 10 rebounds.
Justin Speer scored 14 of the 21 highest points of his career in the second half, hitting four straight from the ground, while Florida A&M (1-6) recovered seven points to a final advantage. Kamron Reaves added 11 points, MJ Randolph added 10 and DJ Jones 10. The Rattlers have been inactive since December 18th.
Lawson scored seven points in the first nine minutes after the break, including a pair of fast attack dunks from his own stolen ball, but South Carolina was unable to shake the Rattlers. There were five draws and four advantage changes in the second half.
After the Gamecocks took their biggest advantage, 57-50, Speer scored eight unanswered points to put Florida A&M ahead for the first time since the 5:37 mark in the first half.
Lawson drained a 3-point ball at halftime to put South Carolina back in front by 68-66, and then blocked Randolph at 3:30 to protect a 71-69 lead.
The victory was South Carolina’s first home win this season and the 20th successive home debut victory. Florida A&M haven’t played at home this season yet.
South Carolina opens the Southeast Conference play hosting Texas A&M on Wednesday.
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