The South Carolina men’s basketball team continued its perfect start to the 2026-27 season Wednesday night, cruising to a convincing 77-41 victory over Saint Peter’s at Colonial Life Arena.
The Gamecocks improved to 3-0 on the season under head coach Lamont Paris, using a strong defensive performance and some impressive shooting from beyond the three-point line to put the game away early.
Marcus Johnson led the way for South Carolina, finishing with a game-high 20 points, six assists and five steals. Aleksas Bieliauskas added 11 points, while Davion Hannah chipped in 10 points and six rebounds.
South Carolina took control during the opening half, using several scoring runs to build a comfortable advantage. The Gamecocks closed the first half on a 12-2 run and carried a 37-17 lead into the locker room.
The Gamecocks wasted little time extending that lead after halftime, opening the second half with 11 unanswered points to stretch the advantage to 31.
South Carolina was especially effective from long range, connecting on 9 of 15 three-point attempts for an impressive 60 percent. The Gamecocks shot nearly 47 percent overall and converted 26 of their 34 free-throw attempts.
Defensively, South Carolina put together one of its best performances under Paris, holding Saint Peter’s to just 26 percent shooting from the field and 18 percent from three-point range. The 41 points allowed were the fewest surrendered by the Gamecocks during the Paris era.
Xavier Thomas led Saint Peter’s with 15 points, while Bryce Eaton added 10. The Peacocks dropped to 0-4 on the season.
The victory gives South Carolina its second consecutive 3-0 start and its third under Paris, who is now in his fifth season leading the Gamecocks.
Up next, South Carolina will remain at home to face Gardner-Webb on Saturday, November 14, at Colonial Life Arena. Tipoff is scheduled for 2 p.m. as the Gamecocks look to keep their unbeaten streak alive.
