South Carolina Stuns Kentucky

Tarence Kinsey had such a good time during South Carolina’s 73-61 upset of No. 3 Kentucky on Tuesday night, he wanted a do-over.

“I wish we could play it again. I had fun tonight,” said Kinsey, who scored 17 points. Carlos Powell had 12 in the second half at Columbia, S.C., to lead the Gamecocks to a rare victory over the Wildcats.

“It’s the biggest win in my career,” said Powell, a senior who is hoping to lead the Gamecocks to their second consecutive NCAA tournament.

It was the first home victory for the Gamecocks (14-8, 6-5 Southeastern Conference) over the Wildcats (19-3, 10-1) since 1997, and it was only South Carolina’s sixth victory in 41 games against Kentucky.

Fans poured onto the court after the victory, and Kinsey stood on press row, slapping high-fives with celebrating students.

The Wildcats had won 19 consecutive games against SEC opponents. Kentucky made only 26.1% of its shots from three-point range.

“You’ve got to make some shots. We had open threes,” Wildcat Coach Tubby Smith said.

No. 5 Wake Forest 68, Miami 63 -- The Demon Deacons held Miami to 33% shooting in the second half at Coral Gables, Fla., and retained their lead in the Atlantic Coast Conference. Wake Forest (22-3, 10-2 in the ACC) enjoyed its biggest lead at 61-53. Miami (15-8, 6-6) rallied and had one shot to tie, but Anthony Harris’ 22-foot jump shot fell short with five seconds to play.

No. 18 Connecticut 94, Providence 89 -- Charlie Villanueva had 22 points at Providence, R.I., as the Huskies (16-6, 8-3 Big East) turned back the Friars (11-14, 1-10) in double overtime.

No. 25 Villanova 89, Bucknell 51 -- Allan Ray scored 23 points at Villanova, Pa., as the Wildcats (15-6) routed the Bison (17-8) in a nonconference game.

OTHER GAMES

J.J. Sullinger scored 14 of his 17 points in the second half at Columbus, Ohio, to spur Ohio State (18-8, 7-5 Big Ten) to a 57-44 victory over Indiana (11-11, 6-5).... Curtis Stinson had 16 points, nine rebounds and six assists at Ames, Iowa, to lead Iowa State (14-8, 6-5 Big 12) past Kansas State, 57-42, for its sixth consecutive victory. The Wildcats (13-9, 3-8) have lost five in a row.

Massachusetts (13-9) shot 79% from the field in the second half and defeated Florida State, 78-69, in a nonconference game at Amherst, Mass. The Seminoles (11-14) have lost five in a row.