Nov. 19, 2009

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CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP)--Dominique Archie scored 17 points to lead a balanced scoring effort for South Carolina as the Gamecocks cruised past La Salle 78-68 in the first round of the Charleston Classic on Thursday night.

Leading by two at the half, South Carolina (3-0) started the second half with a 13-4 run and built a 17-point lead with 11:50 to play.

La Salle (1-0) never made a serious run, and the Gamecocks coasted home for the victory.

The Gamecocks had four players finish in double figures, including Brandis Raley-Ross with 16, Mike Holmes with 15 and Devan Downey with 10.

Rodney Green led La Salle with 23 points.

South Carolina led 38-36 at the half, thanks to a 9-2 run over the final 3:45.

The Explorers shot 51.9 percent from the field in the first half and dominated play until the Gamecocks' late run.

South Carolina will play South Florida on Friday evening at 9:30 p.m. The contest will be televised on CSS.

Team Stats Comparison   Points 78 68 FG Made-Attempted 31-61 (50.8%) 26-54 (48.1%) 3P Made-Attempted 4-14 (28.6%) 2-8 (25%) FT Made-Attempted 12-18 (66.7%) 14-23 (60.9%) Fouls (Tech/Flagrant) 19 (0) 19 (0) Game Leaders   South Carolina La Salle Points D. Archie 17 R. Green 23 Rebounds D. Archie 7 A. Murrary 7 Assists D. Downey 5 J. Williams 3 Steals Archie/Downey 2 K. Barrett/Green 3 Blocks J. Jefferson 5 A. Murrary 5

Next 5 Games South Carolina La Salle 11/20 vs S. Florida (Charleston Classic) 9:30 PM 11/20 Davidson (C. Classic) 7 PM 11/22 vs. TBD (Charleston Classic) TBD 11/22 TBD (C. Classic) TBD 11/27 Jacksonville 7 PM Buy Tickets 11/28 Villanova 12/2 Western Kentucky 7 PM Buy Tickets 12/3 Lafayette 12/6 @ Clemson 1 PM 12/6 Hartford