South Carolina’s offensive flair rocks No. 2 seed

GREENVILLE, S.C. — South Carolina is heading to Madison Square Garden — and not for the NIT.

A Gamecocks program known largely — and mocked often by some — for its backto-back NIT championships in 2005 and 2006 now heads to the world’s most famous arena as part of the NCAA’s Sweet 16. It’s the team’s first appearance in the regional semifinals since the bracket expanded after an 88-81 victory Sunday night over No. 2 seed Duke in the East Regional.

And Sindarius Thornwell says he believes bigger things are ahead.

“We’re not satisfied,” he said. “We’re in it, so why not win it?”

The Gamecocks (24-10) seem capable of anything after this one.

Thornwell had 24 points, Chris Silva scored 13 of his 17 points in the second half and Duane Notice had 17 points, 14 in a 65-point second half, as South Carolina rallied from 10 points down for a second straight NCAA victory.

The 65 points were the most given up in a half by a Mike Krzyzewski-coached Duke team.

The Gamecocks won despite shooting 20 percent in the first half.

“I told the guys at halftime, someone’s got to have the courage and make shots,” South Carolina coach Frank Martin said.

Duke (28-9) was attempting to reach the round of 16 for the sixth time in eight seasons. The Blue Devils, though, could not surmount South Carolina’s stifling defense. Leading scorer Luke Kennard had his second straight subpar shooting game, finishing 1 of 6 for 11 points before fouling out.

The Blue Devils made five of their eight 3-point attempts in the first half, yet only 5 of 19 after the break. They had tied a season high with 18 turnovers against the relentless Gamecocks attack.

Krzyzewski said South Carolina’s physical nature wore down his team in the second half.

“That’s the most physical team we’ve faced all year,” he said.