**Thomas Shines as South Carolina Dominates Radford in Second-Half Blowout**
South Carolina men’s basketball team opened the season with a statement, cruising to a commanding 74-48 victory over Radford. The Gamecocks were led by an impressive performance from freshman guard BJ Thomas, who tallied 18 points in his collegiate debut.
The first half saw a competitive battle as Radford managed to keep the score close with aggressive defense and timely shooting. South Carolina, however, went into the locker room with a narrow 31-26 lead, thanks to Thomas’s early offensive spark and solid contributions from the supporting cast.
Whatever head coach Lamont Paris said during halftime worked wonders, as the Gamecocks returned to the court with a vengeance. They dominated the second half on both ends of the floor, outscoring Radford 43-22. South Carolina’s defense tightened significantly, holding Radford to just 30% shooting while forcing 15 turnovers throughout the game.
Thomas wasn’t the only star of the night. Veteran forward Josh Gray anchored the interior with 12 points and eight rebounds, while guard Meechie Johnson chipped in 11 points and three assists. The Gamecocks showcased their depth and athleticism, with contributions from nearly every player who stepped onto the floor.
Radford struggled to find any rhythm offensively in the second half as South Carolina’s suffocating defense disrupted passing lanes and contested nearly every shot. The Highlanders also had no answer for the Gamecocks’ transition offense, which consistently capitalized on Radford’s mistakes.
“We just came out more aggressive in the second half,” said Thomas. “Coach told us to play with more energy, and that’s what we did. It felt great to help the team get this win.”
With this dominant victory, South Carolina has set the tone for the season, signaling that they’re ready to compete at a high level. Fans will undoubtedly be keeping a close eye on Thomas, who appears poised for a breakout year.
