Justin Minaya had a good look from the top of the key, but he made the extra pass to the left wing for a better opportunity. Keyshawn Bryant thought — maybe for a half-second — about launching before deciding to drive. When Bryant finished off a slick Euro-step with an easy lay-in, the theme to the night was confirmed.
Forget 3-point shooting, South Carolina was going to win its 2018-19 opener in other ways.
Bryant scored 21 points as the Gamecocks beat USC Upstate, 65-52, at Colonial Life Arena.
Frank Martin’s club did a lot of things well — suffocating defense, free throw line trips, showcasing Bryant — but perimeter dominance wasn’t one of them.