GAINESVILLE, Fla. _ Wes Myers, an unheralded senior transfer at his third school in four years, fittingly led South Carolina to a 77-72 win over Florida on Wednesday evening.
The Gamecocks were the underdogs against the SEC leaders and 20th-ranked team in the country. In a rematch of last year's Elite Eight game, Florida brought more familiar faces to the O'Connell Center, most notably point guard Chris Chiozza.
Chiozza was the polished three-year starter at the game's most important position. Myers entered the night barely known beyond Columbia.
But, then again, the South Carolina team entered the night barely known beyond its hometown. Last week's Kentucky win raised some eyebrows, but this victory _ Carolina's first against a ranked team on the road in two seasons _ was a statement.
Myers, only a starter since SEC play began, scored 22 points to Chiozza's 10. His drive and dish to a dunking Chris Silva put the Gamecocks up six with 3:20 to go. They trailed by eight 15 minutes earlier.
South Carolina improved to 13-7 and 4-4 in the SEC. Florida dropped to 14-6 and 6-2.
Keeping with the underdog theme, Frank Martin, in a battle against foul trouble, exhausted his lineup options in the first half. On two occasions, the Gamecocks were represented by four freshmen and a veteran guard.
USC even got a productive five minutes from little-used Khadim Gueye. The sophomore center, showing awareness in the lane, found an open Felipe Haase, who kicked to Justin Minaya for a game-tying 3-pointer with 3:11 left. On Florida's ensuing possession, the 7-foot Gueye blocked Jalen Hudson's shot.
South Carolina, down by as many as 11 in the opening period, led 39-37 at the break. Evan Hinson had already tied his career-high for points with eight.
Carolina is back in action Saturday when it hosts No. 14 Texas Tech.
