The Gamecocks (3-0), who have won the previous five games with the Tigers (2-1) by an average of 48 points, struggled at times to put away their Atlantic Coast Conference rival.

Clemson was within five points three minutes before halftime and trailed by 10, 45-35, entering the final quarter.

But South Carolina’s defense clamped down when it counted most, as the Tigers were 0-of-17 shooting and held to two foul shots in the final period.

It was the Gamecocks’ 300th win since Colonial Life Arena opened in the fall of 2002.

Florida State transfer Ta’Niya Latson added 12 points while Madina Okot, a newcomer from Mississippi State, had a game-high 12 rebounds for the Gamecocks.

South Carolina looked ready to blow this one out as it had its first two opponents, as they took an 11-0 lead. Th

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