The South Carolina Gamecocks got off on the right foot after their Thanksgiving break, heading down to Miami and handling coach Frank Martin’s alma mater, Florida International, in a 78-61 win.
The Gamecocks jumped out to a hot start, beginning the game on a 9-0 run, but FIU answered with a run of its own to keep the margin close. South Carolina took a 38-36 lead to the locker room at halftime, and responded with a strong second half to put the Panthers away.
Forward Chris Silva enjoyed a breakout performance, scoring a career-high 26 points and adding seven rebounds in the type of effort the Gamecocks will need from him this season.