Young South Carolina heads to Clemson

CLEMSON, S.C. (AP) — South Carolina’s eight newcomers face another first this season when they play rival Clemson on Sunday.

Frank Martin came to the Gamecocks (1-1) a season ago and struggled in his debut, going 14-18 for his first losing season as a college coach. The defeats included a home loss to the Tigers (2-0), something that if it becomes a habit doesn’t typically sit well with the Gamecocks fan base.

To turn things around, Martin overhauled the roster to add seven first-year players and Villanova transfer Tyrone Johnson. The young squad hung tough before falling at No. 23 Baylor 66-64 Tuesday.

Martin hopes his players can build off that effort. It is also Martin’s first time leading a team into Clemson’s Littlejohn Coliseum.