The contest was tightly contested throughout, but the Gamecocks secured a 76-58 victory, capitalizing on turnovers and drawing fouls to convert free throws in the final quarter.

Alabama was off the mark, going 5 of 18 in the first quarter. Poor shooting wasn’t the only reason for slow start. South Carolina was quicker in the paint offensively, scoring easy layups. On the other end, the Gamecocks locked down the Crimson Tide, forcing tough shots and not allowing second-chance points.