Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: FRIDAY, March 8, 1991 TAG: 9103080243
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B2 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: JACK BOGACZYK SPORTSWRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
South Carolina was successful in that regard, finishing its mediocre Metro history with a 65-55 loss to second-seeded and future ACC member Florida State.
FSU (18-10) advanced to the semifinals despite making only 3 of 25 shots inside of 15 feet.
"In the first half, we put basketball back about 40 years," said Seminoles coach Pat Kennedy. "In the second half, we just did what we had to do, and that was enough."
The Southeastern Conference-bound Gamecocks (19-12) have lost seven of eight. Once ranked 12th nationally, South Carolina may need some committee lobbying by legendary former coach Frank McGuire to make even the NIT.
"They [the Gamecocks] stopped executing like they did in the first half with offense," said FSU forward Douglas Edwards. "I thought they thought the game was over. They started rushing shots, and didn't rebound the ball well down the stretch."
The Gamecocks went a six-minute stretch in the latter stages of the second half without a field goal, and after hitting their next hoop trailed only 48-45.
Charlie Ward sank a 3-pointer and Aubry Boyd followed with a 15-foot jumper to give the Seminoles their biggest lead to that point, 53-46 with 2:51 remaining.
South Carolina got no closer than four as the Seminoles made all eight free throws in the final 1:38.
Edwards had 14 points, Ward finished with 12 and Rodney Dobard 10 for the Seminoles.
Jo Jo English led South Carolina with 16 points. Jeff Roulston added 12 and Joe Rhett 11.
Playing for the second time in six days, the Seminoles and Gamecocks struggled to a 26-26 tie at halftime, each shooting worse than 35 percent. It wasn't much better after intermission, and the only real difference down the stretch were three 3-point goals by FSU, including a pair by Ward. "Our defense saved us," Kennedy said.
FSU changed defensive sets against the Gamecocks, who shot less than 50 percent for the eighth straight game. Carolina's starting guards, English and Barry Manning, were a combined 7-of-27.
"The last five minutes have really hurt us in close games," Carolina coach George Felton said.
"Coming into this tournament, I don't think this team had a lack of confidence. We just can't put the ball in the hole."
The Seminoles have won seven of their last eight and likely need to win one more to clinch an NCAA berth.
"I think this was a very important game for us," Kennedy said. "There are a lot of teams in the at-large pool - Southern Miss, Purdue, Fordham, and Murray State has 23 wins and they're playing in the conference championship tonight.
"We had two [late-season] goals. One was to win our `Senior Night' game, and the other was to win the tournament." see microfilm for box score
by CNB