COLUMBIA, S.C. – South Carolina used a strong inside presence to defeat USC Upstate, 73-53, on Saturday at Colonial Arena. It marked the Gamecocks’ fourth-straight win and the team’s fifth-straight home victory dating back to Nov. 8 against SC State. Graduate transfer Nick Pringle matched his career-high with 19 points and six rebounds to lead the way. He was 8-of-10 from the floor with a trio of dunks. Sophomore forward Collin Murray-Boyles had another double-double finishing with 13 points and 11 rebounds. Senior transfer Jamarii Thomas (11) and senior Jacobi Wright (10) also scored in double figures for Carolina. Wright matched his career high with six assists. The Gamecock defense forced 15 turnovers and held Upstate below 40.0% shooting. The Spartans made just one 3-pointer in the game. Carolina led by seven at the break and outscored the Spartans 38-25 the final 20 minutes. KEY STATS The Gamecocks got to the free throw line again today and shot the ball better from the charity stripe as a team, going 18-of-25 (72.0%) and 13-of-17 (76.5%) in the second half. Carolina’s defense limited the Spartans to 37.8% (23of-61) from the field, including a 1-of-10 (10%) mark from behind the arc. The Gamecocks also forced 15 turnovers that helped the team have a 17-2 edge in points off turnovers. NOTABLES Graduate Nick Pringle matched his career-high with 19 points today. He had six rebounds and was perfect at the free throw line again, going 3-for-3. Collin Murray-Boyles notched his third-straight double-double (fourth this season and sixth career) with 13 points and 11 rebounds. He had a team-high three steals, three assists and two blocks as well. Senior Jacobi Wright tied his career high, leading the team with six assists on Saturday. He also scored in double-figures for the first time since Xavier (Nov. 25) in the Fort Myers Tip-Off with 10 points today for Carolina after knocking down a pair of 3s. Senior transfer Jamarii Thomas finished with 11 points today, his sixth game (48th career) this season in double figure. UP NEXT Categories: Local Sports, South Carolina Sports, Sports, USC Gamecocks