College Basketball

Thornwell's 22 leads South Carolina over SC State 92-50

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 1:18 p.m. ET

foxsports

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) Sindarius Thornwell scored 22 points and South Carolina cruised to a 92-50 victory over South Carolina State on Friday night.

Playing their fourth game in eight days, the Gamecocks (4-0) took control of the game early against their neighbors from nearby Orangeburg.

The Bulldogs (1-2) attempted to press South Carolina early. The tactic didn't work, however, as the Gamecocks out-muscled their opponents inside while also making long-range jumpers.

Freshman center Maik Kotsar got the Gamecocks off to a quick start, scoring eight of his 15 points in the first 10 minutes. After that Thornwell, a preseason First Team All-SEC pick, took over. He had 16 in the first half.

Eric Eaves, a Columbia native, led South Carolina State in scoring with 16.