Hosting a major conference team for the first time, Elon took full advantage of the opportunity, leading for all but six seconds of a 58-53 victory over South Carolina on Tuesday

The Gamecocks' road woes hit a new low, providing Elon (1-1) its first-ever win against a Southeastern Conference opponent.

South Carolina (1-1) dropped to 10-25 in road games under fourth-year coach Darrin Horn, as the Gamecocks were unable to sustain a rally after falling behind early.

The crowd at tiny Alumni Gym whipped into a frenzy when Brett Ervin hit his third 3-pointer with 15 seconds left in the first half to stretch the lead to 34-23. The Gamecocks' only lead of the game came with about four minutes left in the half and lasted only six seconds before the Phoenix reeled off a 15-3 run to close the half.

Elon was without Jack Isenbarger (shoulder), who scored a game-high 22 points in a loss to the Gamecocks last season. Big man Lucas Troutman led the Phoenix with 14 points, and Austin Hamilton added 10.

The Gamecocks were 0 for 12 from 3-point range in the first half and didn't improve much after halftime, finishing 3-for-27 (11.1 percent). Freshman Damien Leonard had an especially rough night, going 2 for 17 from the field and 1 for 11 from 3-point range.