COLUMBIA, S.C. – Devan Downey scored 23 points as South Carolina opened its basketball season with an 88-50 win over Alabama A&M tonight.

Downey, the all-Southeastern Conference guard who passed up the NBA to return for his senior season, made his first five shots from the field, including three 3-pointers. He finished the night 7 of 9 from the field, hitting four of five 3s.

The Gamecocks scored the first 14 points of the game to quickly put away the Bulldogs, who finished in the middle of the Southwestern Athletic Conference last season.

Along with Downey, South Carolina returned three other starters from last year's 21-10 team and they combined for 65 points.

Downey had an assist, steal and a 3 in the first minute of the game. South Carolina made 12 of its first 15 shots and jumped out to a 30-11 lead.

The Gamecocks improved in just about every area, making 71.9 percent of their free throws after shooting 63.9 percent from the line a year ago.

The South Carolina defense continued to be tough, forcing 24 turnovers and holding Alabama A&M to 36.4 percent shooting from the field.

The Gamecocks' four returning starters just rolled over the Bulldogs. Dominique Archie, a former Josey standout, had 15 points, Mike Holmes added 14 and Sam Muldrow had 13 points and seven rebounds.

But South Carolina's heralded newcomers struggled a bit. Johndre Jefferson got in quick foul trouble, finishing with eight points. Lakeem Jackson missed all six of his shots and Ramon Galloway shot 1 for 6 from the field, finishing with four points and six rebounds.