COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — Lakeem Jackson scored a season-high 16 points to help South Carolina pull away late for a 74-69 victory over Appalachian State Wednesday night.
Appalachian State pulled within two points on a layup by Jay Canty with 21 seconds remaining, but Eric Smith connected on one free throw for the Gamecocks (7-3) and LaShay Page sank two with 4 seconds remaining to seal the win.
Jackson and Page combined for nine of South Carolina’s final 16 points, beginning with seven straight to start a 9-0 run that broke open a tight game.
Page, who was scoreless until that point, began the run with a three-point play and two free throws to give South Carolina a 63-58 lead with 4:19 remaining. Jackson and Mindaugas Kacinas added layups to end the run.
Tevin Baskin, Mike Neal and Canty each scored 16 points to lead the Mountaineers (2-8).
