No. 13 South Carolina holds off Arkansas 55-51

Jan 2, 2014, 10:21 pm

FAYETVILLE, Ark -- Tiffany Mitchell scored 16 points with 11 rebounds in leading No. 13 South Carolina to a 55-51 win over previously undefeated, yet unranked Arkansas in their Southeastern Conference opener on Thursday night.

South Carolina (13-1, 1-0, SEC) held the Razorbacks to 16 first half points and led 28-16 at halftime. Arkansas (13-1, 0-1 SEC) did not hit double figures as a team until 12:30 into the game.

Both teams have held their opponent point totals to the mid-40's this season while averaging 77 points each offensively. But the Razorbacks slow start hurt them throughout the second half as South Carolina was relentless defensively.

The Gamecocks only shot 40 percent for the night but they were able to maintain a comfortable lead in the second half, forcing Arkansas into a fouling situation to which Mitchell made 5 of 6 free throws in the final 40 seconds to lock in the victory.