COLUMBIA, S.C. (Interstat) — Kentucky built a commanding first-half lead and withstood a second-half surge to defeat South Carolina 72-63 in a Southeastern Conference men’s basketball game Tuesday night at Colonial Life Arena.

The Wildcats led 28-21 at halftime and expanded their advantage early in the second period. The Gamecocks rallied to cut the deficit to single digits but could not complete the comeback. Denzel Aberdeen led Kentucky with 19 points, while Meechie Johnson scored a game-high 18 for South Carolina. Attendance was 11,318.

Kentucky improved to 18-10 overall. South Carolina fell to 12-16.