COLUMBIA, S.C. _ If South Carolina was going to knock off the No. 3 team in the country _ the Virginia Cavaliers _ it was going to be at as full-strength as possible. The Gamecocks announced before the game that starters Maik Kotsar (concussion) and T.J. Moss (ankle sprain) were out "indefinitely."
If South Carolina was going to knock of the No. 3 team in the country, it was going to need a big night from Chris Silva. He had four points and three fouls early in the second half.
If South Carolina was going to knock off the No. 3 team in the country, it was going to need something unexpected. With 3:23 left in the first half, Alanzo Frink hit a deep 3-pointer.
And the Gamecocks found their chance.
South Carolina, down and depleted, produced little sparks of life Wednesday against Virginia. But the Gamecocks just didn't have enough Frink-like moments to pull off the upset.
Virginia 69, Carolina 52.
The Gamecocks (4-6) have dropped three straight games. The Cavaliers (10-0) remain perfect.
Frink's 3 _ the first of the freshman's career _ cut the Virginia lead to 27-26, whipping the 12,000-plus in Colonial Life Arena into a frenzy. The sound was reminiscent of big home games past, like when the Gamecocks rallied to shock SEC power Kentucky last season.
But the momentum only lasted for so long. Virginia, courtesy of its own long-range shooting, scored the final six points of the period and then opened the second half of on a 15-7 run. The South Carolina deficit stretched to as many as 19.
Virginia came as advertised, forcing the Gamecocks to play efficient offense on one end and be patient on the other. The Cavaliers won the game _ and dominated the style.
Virginia's Ty Jerome led all scorers with 25 points. Silva led the Gamecocks, who shot 36 percent from the floor, with 11.
