COLUMBIA, S.C. – The most important numbers from Sunday afternoon's men's basketball exhibition game between Benedict College and the University of South Carolina wasn't the final 92-47 score, Benedict's woeful 18.8 percent shooting or South Carolina's 42 points in the paint.
It was 10,011.
That was the attendance in the Colonial Life Arena for the historic basketball game, the first ever athletic contest between the Gamecocks and their next-door neighbor Tigers. On a glorious, warm, sunny fall afternoon. In the middle of football season.
"Our community was really excited, we came out – our numbers showed today," Benedict coach
Fred Watson said. "We were excited about the game, it was a big deal for us. The crowd was great for us, we just didn't play well. It had a lot to do with the talent that South Carolina has. They are a much-improved team, it's not the same old Carolina teams. This team is going to win a lot of games. But I am satisfied with our turnout from our fans. We appreciate the support."
South Carolina coach Frank Martin was impressed over the high turnout.
"The next time anyone in this city reports that people don't care about basketball around here, they're not going to have a nice Frank at the next press conference," Martin said. "We've got awesome fans. Tell me how having a game like this is not awesome for our community. What happens is, we've got Benedict's back. Now we need Benedict to have our back. We've got to support each other. We all live in this community. Fred's trying to do something special. We're trying to impact the people in this community in a positive way."
Benedict scored the first basket of the game, a jumper by
Lafonzo Smith, and the Tigers led for 16 seconds until Tyrone Johnson tied the game with a dunk to ignite an 11-0 run. By halftime, the Gamecocks had a 55-24 lead.
Kareem Ransom was the only Tiger to score in double figures with 12 points.
Andrew Crawford had eight points, but was 3-of-17 from the floor and 2-of-11 on 3-pointers.
Brennan Reynard also struggled from the floor, hitting just 1 of his 11 field goal attempts.
The Gamecocks had five players in double figures, led by Johnson with 23 points.
"We just weren't used to that much speed and athleticism and size," Watson said. "They made it real difficult for us to get into our sets. It's early in the year. We've only been in a week of practice. We've got to get better in some things. But they were too long and athletic for us tonight. The size and length is one thing, but the intensity they play with is relentless. They never let up.
"We had a poor shooting night. The crowd, the atmosphere, being in this arena, the guys were just overwhelmed. They played with a lot of emotion, they played their hearts out. I'm proud of them, but this was just a different level for us."
The Tigers open the 2014-15 season on Nov. 16 against Palm Beach Atlantic in Benjamin E. Mays HRC Arena.
