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Fernandez’s 20 Points Pace South Carolina Past Stetson 81-55
Juan Fernandez scored 20 points as South Carolina shot 51% and used a balanced attack to beat Stetson in its opener.
On Tuesday, South Carolina defeated Stetson 81-55 in their season opener in Columbia. Juan Fernandez led The Gamecocks with 20 points in just 18 minutes of play.
USC exploited Stetson's depleted energy after the Hatters played Monday night at Clemson. The Gamecocks dismantled Stetson's zone defense, passing over the top to big men for easy rim finishes.
South Carolina shot 51% from the field while holding Stetson to 43.2%. Camden Heide added 13 points in his debut, with Jakub Necas, Davion Hannah, and Aleksas Bieliauskas each contributing 11, 11, and 10 points respectively.
Falling to 0-2, Stetson received 17 points from Collin Kuhl after scoring 20 against Clemson the previous night. The Hatters travel to face West Virginia on Friday.
The Gamecocks host Southeast Missouri State on Sunday. USC demonstrated balanced scoring depth, with veteran Eli Sparkman contributing two 3-pointers and a steal despite limited minutes early in the first half.