South Carolina Basketball: Three thumbs up, three thumbs down from heartbreaking loss to Clemson

Thumbs Up. What can be said about Meechie Johnson? For the 3rd-straight game, Johnson scored at least 24 points (26) on efficient shooting (50% from the field), and for the 3rd-straight game, he has made it rain from the perimeter (6-10 from 3). Johnson also added 3 steals, 4 assists, and 3 rebounds while only turning the ball over once. As good as several South Carolina basketball players have been this season, Meechie Johnson is the best player on the team, and Wednesday showed that yet again.. . South Carolina Gamecocks. MEECHIE JOHNSON

Thumbs Up. The Gamecocks had one stretch in which they turned the ball over three times in five possessions. However, USC still managed to make it through the entire game with just 8 giveaways. Ta’Lon Cooper is averaging under 1 turnover per game, and in recent games, the rest of the team has taken their cues from their point guard. Only BJ Mack had more than one turnover, and a very aggressive Clemson team couldn’t take the ball away very often.. . South Carolina Gamecocks. PROTECTING THE BASKETBALL

Thumbs Up. The Gamecocks didn’t get a great night from big man BJ Mack, but fellow post players Stephen Clark and Collin Murray-Boyles had their best showings as Gamecocks. In 32 combined minutes, Clark and CMB had 15 points, 9 rebounds, and 2 blocks while shooting 50% from the field. That type of production will be needed from the Carolina bigs moving forward as Benjamin Bosmans-Verdonk will be at an athletic disadvantage in SEC play, and Myles Stute and Zach Davis likely won’t be able to steal many minutes at the 4-spot.. . South Carolina Gamecocks. GOOD MINUTES FROM CMB AND CLARK