COLUMBIA, SC —South Carolina hit 68 percent of its field goal attempts in the second half on Saturday to take a 75-68 win over East Carolina.

The Pirates (7-3) jumped out to an 18-7 lead and were on top, 32-27, at the half.

The Gamecocks (6-3) went ahead to stay at 35-34 on a jumper by Jamarii Thomas with 16 minutes to go.

The hosts made 17 of  25 from the field, including eight of 12 from beyond the arc, over the closing 20 minutes.

ECU had a 34-27 lead before a 17-0 run created a 44-34 deficit with 13:43 to go.

“The difference obviously was that run,” said Pirates coach Mike Shwartz.’

South Carolina had its largest lead at 62-45 with eight minutes remaining.

Thomas led the win with 22 points and seven assists. Collin Murray-Boyles made all 10 of his field goal attempts as he had 20 points and 10 rebounds.

Jordan Riley led ECU with 18 points. R.J. Felton scored 15 with three assists. C.J. Walker had 14 points and six rebounds.

The Pirates return home for their next game on Wednesday at 7 p.m. against North Alabama (6-4).