The victory lifted South Alabama to 13-5 overall and 5-1 in Sun Belt Conference play, a nice bounce-back from a 73-61 overtime loss to Old Dominion this past Saturday. The Jaguars are at least temporarily alone in first place in the conference, a half-game in front of the Monarchs, who host Appalachian State on Thursday night.

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.