COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) South Carolina coach Frank Martin has a simple explanation for his team's sudden surge from the outside - the play of forward Chris Silva around the basket.

Martin said Silva has been a take-charge player down low, causing opponents to send several players inside to slow him down and opening up the outside for the Gamecocks to make some shots.

That's been the case, particularly lately. A.J. Lawson had 23 points, including six of South Carolina's program record-tying 16 3-pointers, in an 84-77 win over Texas A&M on Saturday.