Three SEC Basketball teams in the Elite 8 of the NCAA Tournament

Three SEC Basketball teams in the Elite 8

By Matt Green | Mar 25, 2017

Mar 24, 2017; New York, NY, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks forward Maik Kotsar (21), forward Chris Silva (30) and guard Rakym Felder (4) celebrate after beating the Baylor Bears in the semifinals of the East Regional of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports /

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Mar 24, 2017; New York, NY, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks guard Sindarius Thornwell (0) celebrates on the bench after beating the Baylor Bears in the semifinals of the East Regional of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

South Carolina

The Gamecocks were the first to punch their ticket to the Elite 8 last night at Madison Square Garden when they absolutely annihilated Baylor. The Gamecocks closed the first half on a 24-7 run in the final nine minutes to take a 37-22 halftime lead.

They shot 46 percent from the field, and 40 percent (8-for-20) on threes. They also held Baylor to 30.4 percent from the field on their way to a 70-50 victory.

Sindarius Thornwell once again led the Gamecocks with 24 points and was 4-for-10 from threes.

They’ll face the 4-seed Gators in an All-SEC East regional matchup in Madison Square Garden on Sunday.

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