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C. Aluka Berry/caberry@thestate.com/
Devan Downey celebrates the Gamecocks' win over Kentucky.
GoGamecocks.com
Win for the ages: USC beats Kentucky
Another spectacular performance by Downey, with key contributions from supporting cast, gives Gamecocks monumental win
USC players and fans celebrate the Gamecocks' win over No. 1 Kentucky on Tuesday night at the Colonial Life Arena.
Gerry Melendez/gmelendez@thestate.com
Written by SETH EMERSON
semerson@thestate.com
Posted on 01.27.10
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PHOTOS: Scenes from the Gamecocks' historic win
- BLOG: Downey on Obama
- BOX SCORE: USC vs. Kentucky
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- Morris: Downey stamps his name in USC history
- Obama chats with 'Cats before game
Letting the air out
South Carolina continued its recent strategy of offensive efficiency, shortening the game with long possessions. It worked, limiting Kentucky's chances to fully use its weapons.
"It wasn't a 40-minute game, it was really a 30-minute game," Kentucky coach John Calipari said.
No handshake
The two coaches didn't do a postgame handshake, but only because of the postgame scrum, according to Calipari.
"I thought they deserved to have their moment and celebrate," Calipari said.
Three's a charm
The two seniors who graduated from last year's team, which knocked off Kentucky twice, were at the game. Zam Fredrick and Branden Conrad's presence wasn't lost on USC coach Darrin Horn.
"Maybe some guys had some confidence because of those two wins last year, I don't know. And they were a part of that," Horn said.
He said it
"South Carolina was working harder than we were working. It just didn't change the whole game." - Calipari
- Seth Emerson
The college basketball world, and possibly even the President of the United States, was atuned to the new No. 1 team in the nation.
The story line got turned over, however, by No. 2: Devan Downey.
In an incredible performance, Downey led South Carolina to its first victory against a top-ranked team.
South Carolina stunned Kentucky 68-62 before a frenzied crowd and behind its diminutive star.
The 5-foot-9 Downey poured in 30 points, outdueling Kentucky star John Wall.
"My thinking all year has been if we're close, we have No. 2, we have a shot," Gamecocks coach Darrin Horn said.
In the final seconds, Downey beckoned to the Garnet Army student section to storm the court, ignoring the fact it likely would result in a fine from the SEC. The fans obliged.
"I'm pretty sure the university's got some money somewhere to pay the fine," Downey said, smiling.
This has been a difficult season for Downey, who passed on the NBA only to see key teammates - Dominique Archie and Mike Holmes - be lost for the season. But Tuesday's events might have rejuvenated the Gamecocks.
"Let's just be honest, nobody gave us a chance," Downey said.
Including, it was pointed out, President Obama. Earlier in the day, Obama had said Kentucky "should be all right" against USC during a telephone conversation with the Wildcats to thank them for their Haiti relief efforts.
"I'm aware of that, but I'm kind of scared to mention something about that because that's the president," Downey said, laughing.
Downey's heroics were nothing new. The difference Tuesday was the supporting cast.
Big men Sam Muldrow and Johndre Jefferson kept the Gamecocks (12-8, 3-3 SEC) in it with their rebounding in the first half. Brandis Raley-Ross, dormant for two games, awoke. Austin Steed had a key tip-in. Stephen Spinella played solid minutes.
Kentucky looked out of sorts on offense most of the night, especially in the half court. It scored plenty of inside baskets but struggled from outside and with its penetration.
And somehow, despite playing one of the tallest teams in the nation, South Carolina had the rebounding advantage.
"They made us play the way we played. I'm not taking anything away from them," Kentucky coach John Calipari said. "They out-worked us."
Wall didn't get his usual assortment of driving baskets, and the 3s weren't falling for Kentucky. Wall finished with 19 points.
Still, the Wildcats led most of the first half, by as many as seven. But Downey finished the half with a driving layup to cut the deficit to four.
The Gamecocks took the lead early in the second half with a 7-0 run, with Downey hitting a 3 to make it 33-31 South Carolina. A few minutes later, Muldrow hit a baseline jumper to make it 39-33.
Kentucky answered again and led by six. But once again, Downey responded with big shots.
It was tied with just over four minutes left when Downey took an inbounds pass on the baseline, and, while being fouled, drilled the shot. He hit the free throw for a three-point USC lead.
On the other end, Muldrow stuffed a DeMarcus Cousins layup attempt.
Downey increased the lead to five on a spinning bank shot.
After a three-point play by Kentucky, Downey did it once again. He spun away from Wall and drilled another running banker.
"Season's not over," Downey said. "We still feel like all our goals are in front of us. To me, it's motivation. ... A win like this really does something to the team."
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