COLUMBIA, S.C. (Interstat) — South Carolina defeated visiting Saint Peter’s 77-41 on Wednesday at Colonial Life Arena. Marcus Johnson paced the Gamecocks with 20 points, three rebounds and six assists, while Aleksas Bieliauskas added 11 points and two blocks and Davion Hannah chipped in 10 points and six rebounds. South Carolina shot 21 of 45 from the floor, including 9 of 15 from 3-point range, and made 26 of 34 free throws. Xavier Thomas led the Peacocks with 15 points and three rebounds, and Bryce Eaton scored 10 points. Saint Peter’s shot 14 of 53 overall and 3 of 17 from beyond the arc. South Carolina posted an offensive rating of 114.7 on 67 possessions, while Saint Peter’s finished at 61.0. South Carolina, now 3-0, held a 37-24 halftime lead and never trailed after the opening minutes. Saint Peter’s fell to 0-4. Attendance was 11,456.