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
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