Consistency will be key for rest of USC's season

COLUMBIA -- Darrin Horn got the team effort Wednesday he wanted from South Carolina.

The lingering question is, Can he get it again today? And can he get it on the road?

Consistency will be the key for USC in the final seven SEC games. The Gamecocks, who play today at Georgia haven't won an SEC road game since the Jan. 9 opener at Auburn.

"I think it almost goes without saying that (today) is a big road game for us," Horn said. "This is a Georgia team that's been outstanding at home."

The Bulldogs (10-12, 2-7 SEC) won't impress you with that record, but they've been competitive in virtually every game.

Those two SEC wins? Against two of the league's best, Tennessee and Vanderbilt, in Athens. Those games weren't particularly close, either.

Neither was the Bulldogs' game earlier in the week at Auburn -- but that was in the Tigers' favor, 82-63.

Meanwhile, South Carolina (14-9, 5-4) didn't shoot all that well Wednesday, 38 percent, but still managed to rally past a good Florida team.

The Gamecocks got the win by forcing 20 Gators turnovers and getting contributions from players not named Devan Downey.

Downey scored a game-high 24 points, but he had just 11 with nine minutes to play. Many of his points came at the free-throw line in the final minutes.

Key in the win was the 20 points from senior guard Brandis Raley-Ross, who started the game 1 of 8 and 0 for 6 from 3-point range. He came alive in the second half as the Gamecocks gained on the Gators.

Junior Sam Muldrow, who added 16 points and eight boards, continues to play well down low.

Freshman guards Ramon Galloway and Lakeem Jackson also had moments and plays to help the team.

It's going to take all of that happening on a more consistent basis for the Gamecocks to approach, or realize, the team's goals. And to win on the road, as well.

In that one SEC road win, the Gamecocks had solid play from reserves Austin Steed and Stephen Spinella.

"It's that old boring theme of everybody doing what they can do," Horn said. "When we do that, we can play with anybody. It would be a big opportunity to build on what happened Wednesday night by everybody producing."

It's too premature to begin talking about South Carolina's NCAA chances, but that conversation would be very relevant if the Gamecocks can win today and then win at Arkansas next week.

Reach Travis Haney at thaney@postandcourier.com.

, check out the Gamecocks blog at postandcourier.com/blogs/gamecocks and follow him on Twitter (@gamecocksblog).

WHEN/WHERE: 4 p.m., Colonial Life Arena, Columbia

TV: SEC Network

RADIO: WTMA 1250-AM

South Carolina (14-9, 5-4 Southeastern)

HEAD COACH: Darrin Horn (35-19 in second year at South Carolina)

PLAYERS TO WATCH: G Devan Downey, 5-9, sr. (23.0 ppg, 3.4 apg); G Brandis Raley-Ross, 6-1, sr. (10.7 ppg, 3.3 rpg); F Sam Muldrow, 6-9, jr. (9.8 ppg, 6.4 bpg)

NOTES: JUCO post Johndre Jefferson (ankle) is expected to play. Downey (ankle) has been in a boot all week, but he's fine ... Downey, Raley and Muldrow combined to make 19 field goals against Florida ... USC was able to eke out a 78-77 victory in the teams' first game. UGA missed free throws late that could have changed the game.

Georgia (10-12, 2-7 Southeastern)

HEAD COACH: Mark Fox (10-12 in first year at Georgia)

PLAYERS TO WATCH: G Travis Leslie, 6-4, so. (14.5 ppg, 7.0 rpg); G Ricky McPhee, 6-1, sr. (10.2 ppg, 2.2 rpg); F Trey Thompkins, 6-10, so. (17.0 ppg, 7.6 rpg)

NOTES: Georgia was blistered by 19 at Auburn earlier in the week ... Leslie, who had a season-high 21 points in the teams' first game, is good for a terrific dunk or two a game ... Thompkins has five double-doubles this season.