Gamecocks Rally Past Southeast Missouri State 78-68
South Carolina improved to 2-0 after a second-half surge led by Kory Mincy's 19 points at Colonial Life Arena.
Updated on Nov. 8, 2026 in Basketball
South Carolina men's basketball defeated Southeast Missouri State 78-68 on Sunday. The Gamecocks trailed early after opening the game 4-17 from the field before outscoring the Redhawks by nine points in the second half.
Why it matters
The win keeps South Carolina unbeaten through two games and shows the team can recover from a poor shooting start. It gives Columbia fans an early-season sign of the team's depth off the bench.
South Carolina shot 28 percent from the field in the first half and 63 percent in the second half, outscoring Southeast Missouri State by nine points after the break. Kory Mincy led the team with 19 points on 54 percent shooting, while Juan Fernandez added 18 and Marcus Johnson scored 10 in 24 minutes off the bench.
The players
Kory Mincy
Kory Mincy is a guard for the South Carolina Gamecocks men's basketball team who led his side with 19 points in the win.
Juan Fernandez
Juan Fernandez is a forward for the South Carolina Gamecocks men's basketball team who scored 18 points and drew a key and-one to tie the game in the first half.
The details
South Carolina led by one point at halftime after a slow start in which it opened 4-17 from the field. Kory Mincy scored 10 points in the first six minutes of the second half, sparking a 13-0 run that gave the Gamecocks control of the game.
Timeline
Sunday: South Carolina defeated Southeast Missouri State 78-68.
Wednesday at 7 p.m.: South Carolina hosts Saint Peter's on SEC Network+.
Season Trajectory
This early-season win places South Carolina at 2-0 and gives the Gamecocks an opportunity to build momentum on their home court. The Gamecocks continue their homestand against Saint Peter's on Wednesday.
South Carolina's 2-0 start gives it a head start in the early-season standings for its conference. Fans can watch Wednesday's home game against Saint Peter's on SEC Network+ at 7 p.m.
The takeaway
South Carolina showed it can recover from a slow shooting start by tightening its defense and finding its rhythm in the second half. That adaptability will matter as the schedule gets tougher.
What happens next
South Carolina hosts Saint Peter's on Wednesday at 7 p.m. on SEC Network+.
Further reading
For more on the Gamecocks' season, visit the Basketball section.
