COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — Meechie Johnson scored 14 of his career-high 33 points in the final 3:39 of regulation and South Carolina rallied to beat Southern Mississippi 83-79 in overtime on Sunday night.

Israel Hart hit a jumper to give Southern Miss its largest lead at 65-54 with 3:50 left in regulation before Johnson took over. He hit four 3-pointers in a row and then made two free throws with 5 seconds left to tie it at 70. Johnson accounted for all but two of the Gamecocks’ final 16 points in forcing OT.

Johnson didn't score in the extra 5-minute period until making the first of two foul shots with 1:10 remaining for a 76-75 lead. Myles Stute followed with a 3-pointer for a two-possession lead with 32 seconds left. Johnson made two free throws 11 seconds later and the Gamecocks (2-0) hel

See Full Page