Feb. 25, 2009

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COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) – Devan Downey scored 21 points and South Carolina set a school record with 16 blocked shots as the Gamecocks beat Kentucky 77-59 on Wednesday night.

South Carolina (20-6, 9-4 Southeastern Conference) never trailed and led by at least 18 points the entire second half as it took sole possession of first place in the SEC East with three games left in the regular season.

The Gamecocks left little doubt they are an NCAA tournament team, winning the biggest game in Columbia since the team’s only SEC East title in 1997.

Downey showed his versatility with five steals and five assists. Dominique Archie added 12 points and four blocks and Sam Muldrow had eight points, 10 rebounds and seven blocks.

Patrick Patterson scored 28 points and had 12 rebounds to lead the Wildcats (19-9, 8-5).