MBB: Cats fall in Columbia

Columbia, SC - The Cats opened the season on the road in Columbia with hopes of an unset, but the strong inside presence of South Carolina put the game out of reach. The Gamecocks out rebounded the Cats 37-29, and had 20 second-chance points.   The final score was 75-50.

"I think South Carolina's length and size was definitely a factor tonight," said Hunter after the game. "I thought (South Carolina) got to us in different segments of the game with their press and built themselves little leads or had spurts off of their press. Certainly their offensive rebounding and their ability to control the paint area at both ends was a key factor in the game." Both Harouna Mutombo and Trey Sumler led the Catamounts with 11 points apiece.