Alabama was off the mark, going 5 of 18 in the first quarter. Poor shooting wasn’t the only reason for slow start. South Carolina was quicker in the paint offensively, scoring easy layups. On the other end, the Gamecocks locked down the Crimson Tide, forcing tough shots and not allowing second-chance points.

South Alabama hosts Southern Miss in a Sun Belt Conference men’s basketball game at 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Mitchell Center. Here’s a look at what you need to know about the matchup: South Alabama (12-5,

Troy women’s basketball dominated in-state rival South Alabama Thursday night with a 99-60 win over the Jaguars.