Downey scores 17 of his 34 points in 2nd half to lead South Carolina over Jacksonville 97-93

Downey helps South Carolina top Jacksonville 97-93

COLUMBIA, S.C. — Devan Downey scored 17 of his 34 points in the final 5 1/2 minutes to lead South Carolina over Jacksonville 97-93 on Friday night.

Despite playing for the first time in four years without Dominique Archie, who injured his knee Sunday in a loss to Miami, the Gamecocks (5-1) won the highest-scoring game in Colonial Life Arena’s nine-year history.

Travis Cohn gave Jacksonville (0-3) a 75-74 lead before Downey and Brandis Raley-Ross, who had a season-high 18 points, took control. Downey hit two free throws to give South Carolina the lead, then added a layup on the next possession before Raley-Ross hit a free throw.

Downey then hit a jumper, two free throws, and a pull-up 3-pointer to give the Gamecocks an 86-78 lead with just under 2 minutes remaining.

Raley-Ross hit a lay-up before Downey made two more foul shots.

Ben Smith led the Dolphins with 31 points.

(This version CORRECTS South Carolina 97, Jacksonville 93. corrects Smith point total to 31.)