South Carolina manhandled No. 6 Kentucky from start to finish on the way to a 79-62 win at Colonial Life Arena in Columbia.
The Gamecocks took the fight to the Wildcats early and were never seriously threatened after halftime.
Former Morehead State guard Talon Cooper led South Carolina (16-3, 4-2 SEC) with 20 points and 5 assists.
Rob Dillingham came off the bench to lead Kentucky with 16 points. Antonio Reeves added 15.
Kentucky (14-4, 4-2) will have to right the ship quickly as they travel to Arkansas for another difficult road game on Saturday.