morgan n' 7
11-10-2007, 04:03 AM
Downey lifts USC in opener
Guard scores 24 points in first game with Gamecocks
Published: Saturday, November 10, 2007 - 2:00 am
By Rick Scoppe
COLUMBIA BUREAU
COLUMBIA -- Devan Downey, a Lamborghini in Nikes, wasted no time Friday night showing there was no rust on his wheels.
Downey, who sat out last year after transferring to the University of South Carolina, turned his own steal into a layup 15 seconds into the game, and he -- and the Gamecocks -- were off.
Downey tied his career high set two years ago at Cincinnati with 24 points, and USC matched last year's point total against S.C. State in the first half to whip the Bulldogs 92-67 in both teams' season opener. "It just felt so great. I'm speechless," said Downey, who also had seven assists, three steals and just one turnover. "It just felt good to get back out on the court and just play the game I love."
With 5-foot-9, 175-pound Downey scoring 16 points, the Gamecocks kicked off their 100th year of basketball by racing to a 55-28 halftime lead behind a 26-2 run before an announced crowd of 13,848 at the Colonial Center.
Downey, who scored the most points by a USC newcomer since Larry Davis had 26 in 1995, had 11 points in the outburst, including a 3-pointer to cap the run and extend the lead to 41-11 with 8:24 left en route to USC running its record to 16-0 against the Bulldogs.
For all that, there was at least one reason for caution -- other than it was only one game. The Gamecocks, who were out rebounded by Division III Guilford in an exhibition game Monday, also lost the battle of the boards to S.C. State, 48-39.
Sam Muldrow led USC with nine, eight in the first half, off the bench along with four blocks. Chris Miller-Williams, who had 20 points, and David Cobb had 10 rebounds each for S.C. State.
"We're not getting a lot of help from our perimeter guys inside because they're extended out so far," coach Dave Odom said. "That's a bit of a concern. We've got to watch that."
http://greenvilleonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071110/SPORTS0102/711100313/1026
Guard scores 24 points in first game with Gamecocks
Published: Saturday, November 10, 2007 - 2:00 am
By Rick Scoppe
COLUMBIA BUREAU
COLUMBIA -- Devan Downey, a Lamborghini in Nikes, wasted no time Friday night showing there was no rust on his wheels.
Downey, who sat out last year after transferring to the University of South Carolina, turned his own steal into a layup 15 seconds into the game, and he -- and the Gamecocks -- were off.
Downey tied his career high set two years ago at Cincinnati with 24 points, and USC matched last year's point total against S.C. State in the first half to whip the Bulldogs 92-67 in both teams' season opener. "It just felt so great. I'm speechless," said Downey, who also had seven assists, three steals and just one turnover. "It just felt good to get back out on the court and just play the game I love."
With 5-foot-9, 175-pound Downey scoring 16 points, the Gamecocks kicked off their 100th year of basketball by racing to a 55-28 halftime lead behind a 26-2 run before an announced crowd of 13,848 at the Colonial Center.
Downey, who scored the most points by a USC newcomer since Larry Davis had 26 in 1995, had 11 points in the outburst, including a 3-pointer to cap the run and extend the lead to 41-11 with 8:24 left en route to USC running its record to 16-0 against the Bulldogs.
For all that, there was at least one reason for caution -- other than it was only one game. The Gamecocks, who were out rebounded by Division III Guilford in an exhibition game Monday, also lost the battle of the boards to S.C. State, 48-39.
Sam Muldrow led USC with nine, eight in the first half, off the bench along with four blocks. Chris Miller-Williams, who had 20 points, and David Cobb had 10 rebounds each for S.C. State.
"We're not getting a lot of help from our perimeter guys inside because they're extended out so far," coach Dave Odom said. "That's a bit of a concern. We've got to watch that."
http://greenvilleonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071110/SPORTS0102/711100313/1026