COLUMBIA, S.C. – Making their first trip to the Palmetto State since 2018, the Saint Peter's men's basketball fell to the University of South Carolina 77-41 in only the second-ever meeting between the Peacocks and the Gamecocks. 

The Peacocks fall to 0-4, while the Gamecocks improve to 3-0

HOW IT HAPPENED
FIRST HALF
The Peacocks took an early lead on a jumper by Ken Walker in the first minute of play.  Xavier Thomas added a triple and a bucket in the paint to keep Saint Peter's within eight points. The Gamecocks pushed their lead to 13 midway through the half but the Peacocks answered with Jonathan Noudjihidi and Walker scored four straight to close to 25-15. South Carolina closed the half with a 12-2 run to lead 37-17 at the break. 

SECOND HALF
The Gamecocks extended their halftime lead as they scored the first 11 points of the second half. The Peacocks battled all the way to the final buzzer, showing their Jersey City strength, in a contest against a talented Gamecocks squad. 

TOP PERFORMERS
Thomas paced the Peacocks offense, finishing with 15 points and three rebounds, while Bryce Eaton totaled 10 points, two boards and two assists. Jordan Mathews posted six points, five rebounds and two blocks. Walker added six points, while Noudjihidi recorded three blocks. 

UP NEXT
The Peacocks continue to play on the road as they travel to UMass Lowell on Tuesday, November 17 at 6 pm. The game will be televised on ESPN+.

NOTES
Saint Peter's moves to 1-1 overall vs South Carolina, with their previous meeting coming January 16, 1990. The Peacocks won that meeting in Jersey City by a score of 57-56… The Peacocks played at the Colonial Life Arena in front of 11,456 in attendance.