Top 25 Roundup: South Carolina Edges Clemson in OT Thriller, Highlights Other Action
December 18 – In a thrilling overtime game in Columbia, S.C., No. 25 South Carolina held off a determined Clemson squad to secure a 91-88 victory. Chase Hunter had a standout performance, leading all scorers with 27 points, including a dramatic off-balance 3-pointer with 0.3 seconds left in regulation to force overtime. However, his attempt to repeat the magic in the final seconds of overtime came up short, sealing Clemson’s fate.
Collin Murray-Boyles led South Carolina with 22 points and nine rebounds, contributing crucial free throws during a decisive 6-0 run in overtime. Myles Stute added 19 points, and Nick Pringle chipped in 18 for the Gamecocks (8-3). Clemson’s Ian Schieffelin recorded 23 points and 12 rebounds before fouling out in overtime.
Other Top 25 Action:
- No. 1 Tennessee 84, Western Carolina 36: Zakai Zeigler nearly notched a triple-double with 10 points, nine assists, and 10 rebounds as the Volunteers (11-0) crushed the Catamounts. Tennessee’s defense held Western Carolina without a 2-point field goal in the first half.
- No. 2 Auburn 100, Georgia State 59: Chaney Johnson stepped up with a career-high 26 points for the Tigers (10-1) after Johni Broome exited early with a shoulder injury. Georgia State’s Nick McMullen tallied 15 points and 16 rebounds in the loss.
- No. 5 Duke 68, George Mason 47: Cooper Flagg powered the Blue Devils (9-2) with 24 points, nine rebounds, and three steals. George Mason’s Jalen Hayes led his team with 18 points.
- No. 7 Florida 90, North Carolina 84: Will Richard scored 22 points, including four in the final minute, to help the Gators (11-0) defeat North Carolina. RJ Davis paced the Tar Heels (6-5) with 29 points.
- No. 17 Ole Miss 74, Southern 61: Jaylen Murray’s 18 points led the Rebels (10-1) to their fourth consecutive win. Southern’s Derrick Tezeno and Michael Jacobs each scored 11 points.
- No. 18 UCLA 111, Prairie View A&M 75: Dylan Andrews scored a season-high 21 points as the Bruins (10-1) dominated Prairie View. Jordan Tillmon led the Panthers with 24 points off the bench.
- No. 20 Michigan State 77, Oakland 58: Xavier Booker scored a career-high 18 points, and Jaxon Kohler added a double-double with 14 points and 10 rebounds for the Spartans (9-2).
- No. 22 Dayton 66, UNLV 65: Malachi Smith’s late three-point play lifted the Flyers (10-2) to victory, extending their home winning streak to 25 games. UNLV’s Dedan Thomas Jr. led his team with 16 points.
Each game showcased standout performances and thrilling moments, underscoring the excitement of the college basketball season.
