USC vs UF Postgame: 3/27/17

Madison Square Garden, NY- The Gamecocks rode their stellar defense all the way to the final seconds of the game as they defeated the Florida Gators, 77-70 in a barn burner.

Frank Martin was standing on the sideline with 11 seconds left still directing his players like a drill sergeant. He kept his stern and serious demeanor the whole game not letting his emotions get to him. But once that horn sounded, he cracked a smile that said a thousand words.

USC is headed to their first Final 4 in school history, but it didn't look like they were going to be at halftime.

It was a typical first half for USC star Sindarius Thornwell, however, his teammates were struggling to keep up with his pace. Thornwell had 15 of USC's 33 points at the half and it seemed as though the Gators didn't need to guard anyone else.

The first half was highlighted by a very quick pace and lights out shooting by the Gators. Despite 11 turnovers in the first half, their 7-12 shooting from behind the arc kept them in the lead. UF was shooting significantly better than USC and if they could keep up that pace it probably would have been them sporting this year's final 4 hats.

Key adjustments were needed to be made by South Carolina if they wanted to win this game. USC needed to protect the 3 point line better, and be more aggressive on the boards.

Well, they won, didn't they?

This game was truly a tale of two halves. UF who couldn't be stopped from 3 in the first half, couldn't make a 3 in the second half, going ice cold. It seemed as though there was a lid on the Gators basket as they went 0-14 from deep.

The Gamecocks defense stepped up big time and defended the 3 point line. Also, guys started to fill the scoring gap left by Thornwell, as more and more guys started to help him out and chip in. 4/5 USC starters finished in double digit scoring, which shows how guys stepped up their offensive efforts.

This game was close all the way down to the wire but Frank Martin and the Cinderella story Gamecocks will face the number 1 seeded Gonzaga Bulldogs in the Final 4.

When asked about his teams effort, Frank Martin said it best: "They got the courage of a lion."