Sunday, December 29, 2013

Marshall Basketball: Opponent Profile, South Carolina

After more than a week away from the hardwood, Marshall (5-7, 0-0) returns to competition tomorrow at South Carolina (5-6, 0-0).

The Gamecocks enter Monday's contest winners of three of their last four games including two victories over Akron. South Carolina first beat the Zips 69-59 on Christmas day in both teams final game of the Hawaiian Airlines Diamond Head Classic. Three days after returning from Hawaii, the Gamecocks hosted Akron and beat them again, 78-45.

South Carolina employs a balanced scoring attack with only two players averaging double-digit points per game. Eligible after sitting out last season, Villanova transfer Tyrone Johnson directs the Gamecocks offense. South Carolina's starting point guard, Johnson averages 10.6 points and 4 assist per game. A 6-foot-7 forward, Mindaugas Kacinas leads the team in rebounding (5.7 rpg) and freshman shooting guard Sindarius Thornwell (11.7 ppg) is the Gamecocks leading scorer.

As a team, South Carolina has been woeful on offense. Their 68.5 points per game ranks 269th out of 345 division one basketball programs. Also, they barely shoot over 42 percent from the field.

Marshall and South Carolina have met five times but not since the 1980-1981 season. The Gamecocks hold a 3-2 advantage in the series. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. tomorrow with television coverage provided by CSS. The game will also be streamed online by ESPN3.

South Carolina
Roster
Stats

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