COLUMBIA (AP) – Michael Carrera had 20 points and 11 rebounds on Saturday night to lift South Carolina to a 78-64 victory over Alabama and continue the Gamecocks best start in 46 years.
The Gamecocks (6-2 Southeastern Conference) matched the 19-2 start of the 1969-70 team and gave coach Frank Martin the most wins in a season since he arrived four years ago.
Carrera scored 16 of his points in the second half when the Gamecocks built a 15-point lead, then saw Alabama (11-9, 2-6) cut things to 67-61 in the final five minutes before pulling away.
Retin Obasohan had 23 points, including 14 straight in the second half, for the Crimson Tide before fouling out in the final minute.
Alabama was called for 30 fouls in a physical game, players jostling with each other in the handshake line afterwards.
Sindarius Thornwell had 14 points and Chris Silva 12 for South Carolina.
