COLUMBIA, S.C. (Interstat) — South Carolina used a strong second-half performance to defeat Charleston Southern 74-62 in a men’s nonconference basketball game Friday at Colonial Life Arena. The Gamecocks, who led 30-28 at halftime, outscored the Buccaneers 44-34 after the break to secure the victory. Elijah Strong led South Carolina with 22 points, while Kobe Knox added 15. Mike Sharavjamts filled the stat sheet with eight points, eight rebounds and seven assists for the Gamecocks. South Carolina improved to 5-2, while Charleston Southern fell to 5-4. Attendance was 9,789.