The Florida Gators had a seven-point lead over the South Carolina Gamecocks at halftime on Sunday in Madison Square Garden.
But just like when the Gators gave up a halftime lead of the same size in Columbia earlier this year, Florida could not make shots down the stretch against a Gamecocks defense that wrapped itself around the throat, and eventually lay limp on the canvas, loser of a 77-70 game that was as much prize fight as shooting contest.
Sindarius Thornwell continued an amazing NCAA Tournament by scoring 26 points to lead all scorers, and was joined in double figures by PJ Dozier (17 points), Maik Kotsar (13 points), and Duane Notice (12 points).