South Carolina Defeats Mississippi State in SEC Opener

Meechie Johnson's 24 points and clutch plays in the final seconds secure victory for the Gamecocks.

Meechie Johnson led South Carolina to victory over Mississippi State with a team-high 24 points, including a clutch steal and four free throws in the final seconds.
Johnson scored 15 of his 24 points in the final 11 minutes of the game, helping South Carolina maintain their lead.
South Carolina outscored Mississippi State 24-9 from beyond the 3-point arc, with Johnson and Myles Stute each connecting on three 3-pointers.
Despite a four-point play from Josh Hubbard bringing Mississippi State within two points in the final 22 seconds, Johnson's steal and subsequent free throws secured the win for South Carolina.
South Carolina (13-1, 1-0) will next play at Alabama, while Mississippi State (11-3, 0-1) will host No. 5 Tennessee.