Gamecocks fall in battle of USCs

LAS VEGAS -- Maurice Jones scored 28 and converted all seven of his 3-pointers to lift Southern California over South Carolina, 63-60, in the final round of the Las Vegas Invitational on Saturday night.

Jones also made two free throws with 19.5 seconds left in the game to help the Trojans (3-4) seal the win. South Carolina's Malik Cooke missed a potential tying 3-point shot from the top right arc with two seconds left.

Dewayne Dedmon had 15 points, eight rebounds and three blocks, while Aaron Fuller hauled in 10 rebounds for the Trojans, who finished the tournament 2-2.

Damontre Harris led South Carolina (2-4) with 15 points, six rebounds and two blocks. Brian Richardson finished with 12 points, while Cooke had 10 for the Gamecocks.

Dedmon's put-back dunk with 40 seconds left gave the Trojans a 61-58 advantage. Cooke answered with a field goal with 25 seconds left, setting up the exciting final moments.

Neither team built more than a more than a four-point lead for the first 37 minutes until Jones hit a 3-point shot with 3:09 left, giving the Trojans a 58-53 lead.

Southern Cal led 30-26 at the half.

This was the first time the teams have met since their Nov. 16, 2007 meeting, when the Trojans won in overtime, as the Gamecocks opened their new home: Colonial Life Arena.

Jones was one point shy of his career high, which he set against Santa Clara on Nov. 15, 2010.