COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — Will Richard scored on a driving layup with 4.8 seconds remaining to lift No. 5 Florida — down 14 points in the second half — past South Carolina, 70-69 on Wednesday night. Richard finished with 22 points for the Gators (17-2, 4-2 Southeastern Conference). He drove left from the top of the key and banked in the go-ahead layup. Jacobi Wright’s desperation 3-pointer was off the mark as South Carolina (10-9, 0-6) continued its worst start in SEC play since the 2013-14 season. Walter Clayton Jr. had 16 points for the Gators — who trailed 52-38 with 12:46 to play — and set the program record with a 3-pointer in his 42nd straight game. Takeaways Florida: The Gators have had uneven start to the SEC with a victory over the then-top ranked Tennessee and a loss to Missouri at home two games ago. South Carolina: The Gamecocks have never started 0-7 in SEC play, but that’s what looms with No. 14 Mississippi State headed to Columbia on Saturday. Key moment Trailing by 13 points with less than nine minutes left, Florida forced three straight turnovers in the backcourt that led to baskets that cut it to 58-51. The Gamecocks could not settle themselves after that. KEY STATS South Carolina had 12 of its 15 turnovers in the second half, leading to 16 points for the Gators. Florida had a 22-5 edge for the game in points off turnovers. The Gamecocks entered tonight fourth in the SEC and 19th nationally in free throw attempts per game (24.4) but managed only eight foul shots tonight. NOTABLES Junior guard Zachary Davis tied his career-high with 22 points. His previous game with 22 points came at Mississippi State in the SEC opener back on Jan. 4. Sophomore forward Collin Murray-Boyles set a new career high with eight assists. The SEC’s field goal percentage leader added 14 points (6-of-9 FGs), five rebounds and three assists. Sophomore guard Morris Ugusuk hit a trio of 3s and pulled down a career-high six rebounds. It’s the seventh time he’s made three or more triples in a game this season. South Carolina has lost three SEC games, a pair now to top-five teams, by a combined seven points. UP NEXT South Carolina remains home for another game against a top-15 opponent as No. 14/14 Mississippi State (15-4, 3-3 SEC) comes to town. Roy Philpott (pxp) and Perry Clark (analyst) will be on the call for the early 1 p.m. (ET) tip on SEC Network. Categories: Local Sports, South Carolina Sports, Sports, USC Gamecocks