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SEC Games CONTINUED ROM PAGE 9 the Gamecocks downed the Wildcats 70-57 and held off Kentucky’s potent offense, snap ping a 12-game losing streak against the Wildcats. “Every game is decided on its own merit,” Odom said. “We al ways believe we can win.” With USC leading 13-12, Kentucky guard Keith Bogans re sponded with a basket, which was followed by an Erik Daniels field goal. After a basket by Howell, USC’s Chris Warren scored and was fouled on the shot. Warren hit his free throw to complete the 3 point play, and the Gamecocks held a lead they would not relinquish. USC went into the locker room at the half holding onto a 35-27 lead. tvernucny luiwaru laysnaun Prince, who missed most of the first half due to two early fouls, opened up the second half with a basket. Bradley immediately responded, however, with a 3-pointer. Over the course of the half, USC would stretch its lead to as much as 18. The Gamecocks shot well from the field, putting in 50 percent of their shots. They were led by Aaron Lucas, who had 12 points. Bradley scored 11 points and shot 3-of-7 from behind the arc. Kitchings, Howell, Powell and Michael Boynton each contributed 10 points. Kentucky’s leading scorer was Bogans with 13 points. Prince scored 12 points. The Wildcats were a dismal l-for-19 from 3-point range. Semifinals: Alabama 65, USC 57 USC entered Saturday’s semifi nal matchup against Alabama hop ing to avenge a last-minute loss to the Crimson Tide last month in Columbia. Unfortunately for the Gamecocks, the Tide proved too much to handle at the end, holding onto the 65-57 win. After the game, Odom was com plimentary of Alabama as well as the game they played. “We played an exceptional bas ketball team in an exceptional game today,” Odom said. “Today, our team competed.” The competition, however, was not without controversy. After trailing by 10 to start the second half, the Gamecocks slowly worked their way back. With right under a minute and a half remain ing in the game, Lucas nailed a 3 pointer to tie the game at 57. rni_m: l X XXV X XXXV V/UMXU XXV*. x vxxxxxv XXXV lead on its next possession, as Erwin Dudley missed a hook shot with 41 seconds on the clock. Driving the ball back down the court, Eidson tripped over Maurice Williams and caused the ball to come loose. Rod Grizzard nabbed the ball and lobbed it to Antoine Pettway, who missed an open layup. Afterward, Kenny Walker rebounded the ball and dunked it. One official wanted to charge USC with a foul before Walker’s dunk. After deliberation, the referees charged Powell with a foul, giving Walker a free throw. Walker con verted the tree throw for a 60-57 lead. Powell would attempt two 3-point ers on the Gamecocks’ next two pos sessions, but to no avail. The Tide led 63-57 with one second remaining when Walker casually put in one more basket to secure the game. Kitchings led the Gamecocks with 16 points and 11 rebounds for his second doubledouble in as many nights. Powell scored 15 points. Carolina ended up with more field goals than Alabama, but the Tide made 20 of 26 free throws, compared with Carolina’s three of eight. Comments on this story?E-mail gamecocksports@hotmail.com Interested in covering sports for The Gamecock? E-mail gamecocksports@hotmail.com, or stop by Russell House room 333 ii.." =.!L. ..--^=-..—1 ll lo all sir winning Wednesdays Winners... Cnngratnlatlonsl Wo hope you enjoy your prlzesl A special congratulations goes out to Titan Barksdale, Brittany Daniels, Dan Faile, David Laboone, Quincy Platt and Andrienne Wingate who won their TOP CHOICE OF HOUSING! They (and their preferred roommates) will get their first pick of where to live on campus. Way to go! University Housing would like to thank our Sponsors! Without your help and support, Winning Wednesdays would not have been possible. Thank you for your generous donations and support! Advance Auto Parts Frankie’s Fun Park SC Bookstore California Dreaming Goodyear Gemini Sodexho Marriott Capital City Bombers Holiday Inn Target Carolina Collegiate New Orleans USC Baseball Team Credit Union Riverfront Restaurant USC Parking Carolina Productions Papa John’s Pizza Wal-Mart Cingular Wireless Regal Cinema 7 WEB Laundry Columbia Inferno Russell House Yesterday’s Cycle Center Bookstore University Housing Designing Communities for Living and Learning