Silva finished with 18 points and 12 rebounds for the Gamecocks, who won the Elite Eight rematch from last year’s NCAA Tournament.
Florida had a great chance to tie the game with two minutes to play, but teammates turned the ball over while fighting for a rebound.
Florida: Gators center John Egbunu took part in pregame warmups for the first time this season, a positive step in his return from reconstructive knee surgery.
South Carolina guard Evan Hinson, also a tight end on the football team, left the game with what appeared to be cramping in his right leg midway through the second half.
Winthrop 98, Longwood 78: Xavier Cooks scored 26 points with six assists, both team highs, as the Eagles (12-8, 6-3 Big South) downed the host Lancers (6-16, 3-6).
- No. 9 South Carolina getting healthier with Wilson's returnThe News Tribune
- Florida basketball: Gators and Gamecocks meet for first time since Elite 8SECcountry.com
- Swamp monsters: Gamecocks make statement with upset of FloridaThe State
- Florida basketball: South Carolina fends off Florida as Gators take tough loss ...SECcountry.com
- South Carolina knocks off another ranked teamFanRag Sports (blog)
- A'ja Wilson will be honored for one milestone before Arkansas, then may hit ...The State
- CHOMPED! Gamecocks take out No. 20 Florida in GainesvilleCharleston Post Courier
- GMC coach not surprised by Davis decisionSpartanburg Herald Journal
- Look who was there to greet Frank Martin and the Gamecocks to GainesvilleThe State
