COLUMBIA, SC—The South Carolina State men's basketball team gave host South Carolina Gamecocks all they could manage, before falling short in an 80-77 season-opener loss Tuesday (Nov. 8^th) at Colonial Life Center.

Five Bulldogs scored in double figures with junior Lesown Hallums leading the way with a game-high 20 points, three rebounds, three assist, two blocks and a steal. Hallums also posted a solid effort from the floor connecting 6-of-12 and 6-of-7 from the charity stripe.

Preseason All-MEAC selection Rahsaan Edwards finished with 13 points, seven rebounds and four assist, while Rakeim Gary added 12, Davion Everett 11 and Shaman Alston 10 in the loss.

As a team South Carolina State shot 42.3% (11-of-26) from three-point range, while forcing the Gamecocks to a game-high 11 turnovers, as well as leading the way in fast break points (18-17) and points in the paint (40-13) on the night.

Next up South Carolina State remains on the road with a non-conference matchup with Tennessee State on Saturday (Nov.12^th), beginning at 11 a.m. in Nashville, TN.

Follow the Bulldogs
For complete coverage of SC State Athletics, follow us on social media @SCStateAthletic (Twitter), SCStateBulldogs (Facebook), and @SCStateAthletics (Instagram), or visit the official home of SC State Athletics at www.scsuathletics.com.