South Carolina, Downey find game in second half to defeat Richmond 76-58

South Carolina surges to beat Richmond 76-58

COLUMBIA, S.C. — Devan Downey scored 18 points and South Carolina used a late 24-6 run to beat Richmond 76-58 on Wednesday night.

The Spiders (7-3) tied the game at 52 on Dan Geriot’s basket with 8:16 remaining. That’s when the Gamecocks (7-2) took control.

Downey had two 3-pointers and Ramon Galloway added five points during the surge as South Carolina won for the third time in its past four games.

Richmond of the Atlantic 10 Conference had come in with victories over Mississippi State and Missouri this season and held a 32-24 halftime lead at the Colonial Life Arena.

But the Spiders could not withstand the Gamecocks and Downey, who scored 13 of his points in the second half.

Sam Muldrow had 13 points and Johndre Jefferson added 12 for the Gamecocks.

Justin Harper was Richmond’s leading scorer with 15 points.