Postgame: Cremins thankful for matchup

The Buzz

College of Charleston coach Bobby Cremins went out of his way to thank South Carolina for making the trip, a rare visit by a power-conference team to a mid-major. Cremins credited former coach Dave Odom for scheduling the game, and new coach Darrin Horn for following through.

“I know it was a tough environment for them to come to,” Cremins said. “It was a great basketball game. ... I wish them nothing but the best.”

Friday’s game was the first official home game at the Carolina First Arena for the Cougars.

The Baltic Bomber. Evka Banilius made good use of his 17 minutes, scoring 14 points. He was perfect on four 3-point attempts.

So why wasn’t the junior forward on the floor more? Horn said it was a matter of defense.

“With the way they play offensively, he has a hard time keeping those guys in front,” Horn said. “If he’s going to give up a bucket every time, we don’t want to have to make it on the other end to have a trade-off.”

Coming up big. Forward Mike Holmes (14 points and 12 rebounds) had his second double-double of the season, and his third double-digit rebound game. The sophomore from Bishopville is averaging a double-double for the season.

KEY MOMENT: Both teams were struggling in overtime to score, when USC took possession in the final minute. Devan Downey drove to the basket and tried one of his patented scoop layups, but it was defended well and fell short. College of Charleston grabbed the rebound, opted not to call timeout, and Tony White Jr. got fouled in the lane. He hit both free throws for the game’s final points.

STARS OF THE GAME: The backcourt of Andrew Goudelock and White scored half the Cougars’ points, and the pair was the difference in leading their team back from a 13-point first half deficit.

POINT OF EMPHASIS: The Gamecocks committed 19 turnovers, after 18 in their previous game, a victory against Gardner-Webb. They committed a combined 39 in their first three games.

INJURIES: None reported.

— Seth Emerson