COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) -- When Darrin Horn came to South Carolina, he promised a team that would compete for championships and revive the Gamecocks' basketball tradition.

But not even the first-year coach thought he would be able to do it this quickly.

South Carolina is alone on top of its division in the Southeastern Conference after Wednesday's 77-59 win over Kentucky.

Horn says he is now telling his team to ignore everyone telling them how good they are, just like he told them to ignore the people who picked the Gamecocks to finish fifth in the SEC East.

South Carolina has made just one NCAA tournament this decade, but another more win could ensure a second trip. Every 10-win team from the SEC eligible for the NCAAs have made it since the league expanded 18 years ago.