Gamecocks overcome Spartans’ spirit in season-opener

Well, if you’re going to just hand away points …

South Carolina took what Norfolk State gave it in its season-opening 84-69 win on Saturday, taking advantage of the Spartans’ 35 fouls to shoot 42 free throws.

The consistency kept the lead from getting too narrow as Norfolk used superior speed and 11 3-pointers to stay in the game, while four double-figure scorers displayed the Gamecocks’ wealth of depth.

“Right now, we got seven starters,” USC coach Frank Martin said. “It’s been a while since I’ve had a team that’s this all in, this early in the year.”

USC began hot, with Duane Notice stroking three 3-pointers and freshman P.J. Dozier scoring the year’s first points. Each got two quick fouls, though, and that’s when Norfolk (0-1) began coming at the Gamecocks.

The Spartans were too quick in transition and able to shoot from long range, answering each USC run with a couple of speedy buckets. USC reverted to its 2014-15 approach to a zone defense – not challenging it.

“From the beginning of the game, we did,” said Sindarius Thornwell, who tied for the team lead with 14 points. “I think we started standing around and got real passive instead of ball movement.”

But fouls mounted and USC began to show off. Freshman Chris Silva wowed the crowd with 12 points and nine rebounds, including two bound-for-SportsCenter dunks. Dozier ended with seven points, four rebounds and three steals, while Laimonas Chatkevicius scored 13 and had back-to-back baskets after the Spartans had again cut the lead to single digits.

Thornwell shook off a sluggish first half to hit 14 and the Gamecocks (1-0) kept hitting free throws, ending with 29. They had 15 assists on 23 field goals, 19 offensive rebounds and overcame the Spartans’ numerous guards with the height that’s been missing the last three years.

“I’m happy the first one’s out of the way,” Martin said. “I knew this one was going to be hard. We have to continue to learn how to play our style of defense with those kinds of teams that we played today.”

TURNING POINT

Alex Long had just swished two free throws to again make it a five-point game with 9:32 to play. The Gamecocks, who were hurting themselves by shooting 3-pointers early in the shot clock, passed to Mindaugas Kacinas in the corner.

His 3 splashed down and the lead never got below six the rest of the game.

3 POINTS

Chris Silva: His 12 points and nine rebounds, plus two blocks and a steal, backed up his early reputation as a rim-eater. The undersized Spartans had no answer for the 6-foot-9 spring-bean.

Play of the game: Freshman P.J. Dozier picked up a loose ball, beat the defense and flipped the ball in the air. Silva soared from the block, jammed it with both hands and nearly curled himself around the rim.

Stat of the game: 29-42. The Gamecocks’ performance from the free-throw line, after Norfolk State committed 35 fouls and had three players fouled out.

FROM THE BASELINE

Phenom: P.J. Dozier beat my prediction. I’ve been saying he’d start at point guard by midseason. He started the season opener.

Dr. S: Chris Silva is raw and him trying to handle the ball is like teaching a dog to roller-skate. But the book on him being a basket protector? He flew for nine rebounds, blocked two shots and had two highlight-reel dunks.

Maple Jordan Lite: Duane Notice was moved to permanent two-guard this year so he could employ his strength – shooting. He canned three early 3-pointers, but foul trouble limited his production for the duration.

UP NEXT

Who: South Carolina vs. Oral Roberts

When: 7:30 p.m., Monday

Where: Colonial Life Arena, Columbia

TV: SEC Network

This story was originally published November 14, 2015 at 9:03 PM.