LSU Tigers at South Carolina Gamecocks

Thornwell leads South Carolina to 94-83 win over LSU

"Enjoy being tied for first place. You've earned it," he told them. "But it's not time to celebrate."

Not with No. 22 Kentucky ahead Saturday in another top-of-the league showdown.

And they did it by pulling away late from Ben Simmons and the Tigers (15-9, 8-3), who themselves caught fire once SEC play began after a sluggish preseason.

Some thought the Gamecocks' successful run (they opened 15-0) had ended when they went 4-3, including a disappointing 13-point loss at Georgia earlier this month. But South Carolina rebounded with an 81-78 victory at then-No. 8 Texas A&M (Thornwell led the way with 25 points in that one) to set up a showdown with LSU.

It was a second-half run fueled by freshmen PJ Dozier and Raymond Doby that toppled the Tigers.

LSU closed to 85-81 in the final minute on Simmons' foul shot before South Carolina hit 7-of-8 foul shots down the stretch to move into a tie at the top with the Tigers and Kentucky.

"We're not going to let the moment get to us," Thornwell said. "We're not going to let it get to our heads or overlook anybody. We're going to stay the course."

Simmons put on another dazzling display with 20 points, six rebounds and six assists.

Antonio Blakeney had 22 points to lead the Tigers.

Duane Notice had 15 points and Dozier 12 for the Gamecocks.

LSU coach Johnny Jones said his players gave up too many big shots to the Gamecocks and the Tiger guards did not do a good enough job getting the ball to their outside shooters such as Blakeney and Keith Hornsby. "Late in the game, tie score there late, we did not do the things that were necessary to put ourselves in position to win the basketball game," he said.

South Carolina used several of its big bodies to force Simmons away from the basket on one end, even forcing him into a missed chippy from close in the opening half. They also took it right at LSU's versatile big man on defense and Simmons sat for the final eight minutes of the opening half with two fouls.

Simmons heated up in the second half with several inside buckets, including a two-handed jam that drew oohs from the crowd.

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TIP-INS

LSU: The Tigers have had only four freshmen score 30 points or more in a game between 1972-2015 since the youngest players became eligible 44 years ago. Both Ben Simmons and Antonio Blakeney have accomplished that this season.

South Carolina: The Gamecocks had their best shooting performance of the season last time out, going 30-of-57 (52.6 percent) to upend then-No. 8 Texas A&M this past Saturday.

UNRANKED?

HEARING IT FROM THE CROWD

Visiting crowds heckle Ben Simmons wherever he plays and South Carolina was no different, telling the LSU freshman and expected high pick in the next NBA draft that he was "overrated" among other shouts and catcalls. Simmons said it did not affect him. Simmons stared down the student section after one second-half bucket. "I'm used to hearing my name or them saying overrated, or whatever it is," Simmons said. "I just play hard and try not to pay too much attention to it."

UP NEXT

LSU plays No. 15 Texas A&M at home Saturday.

South Carolina takes on No. 22 Kentucky at home Saturday.

How can I watch LSU vs. South Carolina?

• TV Channel: LSU at South Carolina 2021 College Basketball, week 14, is broadcasted on ESPN2.
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