ANCHORAGE, Alaska - Ryan Amoroso did Marquette's dirty work under the boards, with 12 rebounds against South Carolina, but his work in overtime really made the Golden Eagles shine Saturday night.
Amoroso scored nine points in the extra period, including a 3-point play and a pair of free throws in the final 28 seconds, to cement a 92-89 win in the championship game of the Carrs/Safeway Great Alaska Shootout.
"He stepped up," said Marquette coach Tom Crean of Amoroso. "It's been a different guy all three nights."
Crean said the game would be a tremendous confidence booster, given that South Carolina shot over 50 percent overall and from 3-point range.
A 3-pointer by Dominic James gave Marquette an 80-76 lead with 58 seconds remaining in regulation.
But the Gamecocks' Tarence Kinsey got open on the wing to make a 3-pointer despite being fouled by Ousmane Barro. Kinsey hit a free throw to complete the four-point play and tie the game at 80-80.
James missed a layup, but Marquette was awarded the ball out of bounds with 23.9 seconds left. James missed a runner with 3 seconds left, and the game went into overtime.
The Golden Eagles fell behind 89-87 in the extra frame when Brandon Wallace hit a 3-pointer with 48.8 seconds left. But Amoroso put back a miss by James and hit a free throw to give Marquette the lead. He hit the final two free throws with 4.1 seconds left, and Tre Kelley missed a long 3-pointer as time expired.
Amoroso came off the bench to finish with 30 points and 12 rebounds.
South Carolina had not lost since March 10 against Mississippi in the Southeast Conference tournament last season. The Gamecocks' nine-game winning streak included the championship in last season's NIT.
Kelley finished with 23 points for the Gamecocks, and Kinsey added 20.
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