COLUMBIA — The formula worked. South Carolina shot well, particularly from the 3-point line, and kept the opponent out of the paint during an 82-51 win.

If it had to come against the worst opponent the Gamecocks have played thus far — Stetson, ranked 334th of 365 in the latest NET — well, at least it came.

USC (6-3) routed the Hatters after a slow start, burying 12 3s and denying Stetson the same paint where Virginia Tech staked a circus tent last week during an overtime victory. That was nearly the last gasp the Gamecocks had in trying to post a notable non-conference resume win (USC is at Clemson on Dec. 16) so in the meantime, it’s just about trying to win.

And it isn’t much, but the Hatters are higher in the NET rankings than two of the next three opponents (S.C. State and The C

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