South Carolina holds off Maryland rally to win season opener in Paris

Top-ranked South Carolina beat No.

20 Maryland 101-93 in Paris on Monday in the season opener for both teams.

The Gamecocks built a 61-33 halftime lead, with fast breaks and turnovers helping fuel their early scoring.

Maryland mounted a second-half comeback, led by Addi Mack, who scored a career-high 35 points.

The Terrapins cut the gap to nine points with 4:30 left, forcing South Carolina coach Dawn Staley to call a timeout.

South Carolina responded with a 7-0 run and held on, with Joyce Edwards leading the Gamecocks with 23 points.

The win gives South Carolina a strong start, but its near loss of a 31-point lead showed how quickly the game changed.

South Carolina next faces No.

12 North Carolina on Sunday in Charlotte, while Maryland hosts George Mason.