South Carolina Basketball: 3 thumbs up, 3 thumbs down from Missouri win

South Carolina Basketball vs. Missouri Tigers
Thumbs Up 1: Return of the Mack

It is no secret that the end of out-of-conference play and the first couple of games of SEC play were not kind to BJ Mack. He struggled with his shot, and his defense wasn't good. However, his past couple of games have been much better on both ends of the court.

On Saturday, Mack led the Gamecocks in scoring with 21 points, and he was efficient, shooting (6-11/2-5/7-11. He also played well on defense against some talented post players from Missouri in Jordan Butler, Connor Vanover, and Jesus Carralero Martin.

South Carolina Basketball vs. Missouri Tigers:
Thumbs Up 2: The "Other Guards"

It really isn't fair to view Ta'Lon Cooper as anything other than a legitimate All-SEC candidate, but when most people think of South Carolina's guards, they think of Meechie Johnson. However, on Saturday, it was the other guards who played well.

Ta'Lon Cooper, Jacobi Wright, and Morris Ugusuk scored 33 points with just 3 missed shots, and their 7 assists and 8 rebounds were big. Wing Zach Davis started again in place of the injured Myles Stute, and he knocked down 2 3-pointers and played pretty well on defense.

South Carolina Basketball vs. Missouri Tigers:
Thumbs Up 3: Collin Murray-Boyles

It can't be understated what type of impact that Collin Murray-Boyles has had on the Gamecocks since getting healthy from his bout with mononucleosis. Now firmly entrenched into the starting lineup, CMB put up another strong game against Missouri.

With 7 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 blocks, and 2 steals, it felt like Murray-Boyles was everywhere for Lamont Paris' team. He was very good on defense again, and he was a good compliment to whichever big Coach Paris wanted to play alongside him.