Columbia, SC -- (Sports Network) - Stephen Curry scored a game-high 32 points to lead the sixth-seeded Davidson Wildcats to a 70-63 win over the third- seeded South Carolina Gamecocks in first round action of the NIT at Colonial Life Arena.

Andrew Lovedale added 17 points and nine rebounds for the Wildcats (27-7).

The Gamecocks (21-10) were paced by Devan Downey who netted 18 points in a losing effort. Mike Holmes also added 12 points, while Zam Fredrick chipped in with 10 points.

The Wildcats took control of the contest in the first half, shooting 40.7 percent from the floor, to grab a slim 28-26 lead at the break.

The Wildcats pulled away in the second stanza, knocking down 14-of-23 free- throws, en route to a seven-point victory.

Three-point shooting proved to be the difference in this contest, as Davidson outscored the Gamecocks 18-6 from long-distance.

With the win Davidson will move on to face the Saint Mary's Gaels in the next round.