(AP) -- Devan Downey scored 33 points to lead South Carolina to an 80-71 win over Auburn on Saturday in the team's Southeastern Conference opener. Downey shot just 4-for-12 in the first half to lead his team with 10 points. The Gamecocks (10-5, 1-0) leading scorer with 18.5 per game, scored 23 in the second half to lead all scorers in the road win. South Carolina trailed 7-0 to start the game after turning the ball on three of its first five possessions. The Gamecocks redeemed themselves and led 32-29 at the break. The first half included seven ties and five lead changes. Auburn (9-7, 0-1) struggled with the Gamecocks' full court press, but tied the game at 52-52 with 10:06 to play. South Carolina went on an 8-0 run and never looked back. Former WPDE All-Hoop Zone star Brendon Knox who played at Georgetown High led Auburn with 22 points. Another Ex-All-Hoop Zone selection, Sam Muldrow out of Wilson High tallied 12 points with 8 rebounds and 4 blocked shots.

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