South Carolina used a 10-0 run in the second half to pull away for a 75-50 victory over Western Carolina in the season opener for both teams on Friday.

The Gamecocks (1-0), who took the lead for good when a 7-0 burst midway through the first half made it 23-16, seized control just over five minutes into the second half when they held the visiting Catamounts (0-1) scoreless for more than four minutes, extending the gap to 53-33. Back-to-back dunks by Brenton Williams and R.J. Slawson punctuated the rally.

Anthony Gill paced South Carolina with 14 points in his collegiate debut, while Williams scored 11 of his 13 points in the first half. The Gamecocks grabbed 18 offensive rebounds on the night and forced 19 turnovers.

Western Carolina, which shot just 32 percent (8 for 25) in the second half, were led by 11 points from both Trey Sumler and Harouna Mutombo.