Men’s Basketball Drops Thriller to South Carolina

Dec. 5, 2010

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COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) – Bruce Ellington scored 14 points, including a critical 3-pointer in the final minute as South Carolina broke a six-game losing streak to rival Clemson, 64-60, on Sunday.

The Gamecocks (6-1) led 58-55 when Ellington, a freshman, dribbled away much of the 35 second clock before striking for a 3 from the left side of the arc.

Clemson (5-3) got within 62-60 on Andre Young’s two foul shots with 16 seconds to go. But Sam Muldrow followed with a pair of free throws of his own to ice things for South Carolina.

Muldrow finished with 13 points and five blocks in the series closest game since the Tigers began their streak in 2004 with a 63-62 win.

Ellington, a freshman, is cousins with Clemson’s leading rusher, tailback Andre Ellington. Both wear No. 23.

Young had 15 points to lead Clemson.

South Carolina started quickly. Ellington had five points and Malik Cooke two baskets as the Gamecocks opened a 13-4 lead. South Carolina’s margin was still 20-13 when Clemson took off on a 10-0 run to take the lead.

It wouldn’t last, however, as the Gamecocks pressed their advantage under the boards.

Johndre Jefferson, a 6-foot-9 forward, had an inside basket and Sam Muldrow, also 6-9, followed with a go-ahead dunk. Brian Richardson made a pair of 3s and South Carolina stretched things to 34-29.

Young, however, collected a loose ball and made a basket as time ran out that left Clemson down 34-31 at the break.

The Gamecocks appeared to take control midway through the second half when Cooke’s inside shot put them ahead 43-35. The Tigers, though, tied things over the next four minutes as Stitt and Young had 3s.

South Carolina wasn’t going to let this one slip away. Muldrow had four consecutive points and Ellington a basket before the freshman’s clinching 3-pointer.

Ellington was 3-of-3 from behind the arc.