FAYETTEVILLE — Sonny Weems didn’t have the look of someone who just had a career night.

Weems, Arkansas’ senior forward, scored a career-high 28 points and had nine rebounds but considered the accomplishment basically worthless after South Carolina’s 70-66 victory Wednesday at Walton Arena.

During the postgame interview, Weems answered questions with his head in his hands.

“I’m not worried about that,” Weems said after being asked about his performance. “We didn’t get the win, so points and all that doesn’t matter to me.”

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The toughest part of the loss for Weems was that it came at home. Weems said his teammates felt the same way.

“They were real hurt,” Weems said. “It was one game that we had to win. It was our home court, and we have to protect the home floor. We didn’t.

“ Not protecting the home court is always tough when you have fans come out and support you. We should have took care of home court.”

Weems said he realized early in the game the Gamecocks would be a challenge. He said the Razorbacks played sluggish early, and that allowed South Carolina guard Devan Downey to get hot.

“From there, I knew it was going to be a tough game for us,” Weems said.

Downey played all 40 minutes and scored 28 points, which included hitting 9 of 11 free-throw attempts. He also had six steals.

Weems matched Downey and scored 21 of his points in the second half. After Arkansas fell behind 56-49 midway through the second half, Weems scored six consecutive points to help Arkansas cut the deficit to 56-55.

Weems scored 11 of Arkansas’ last 17 points.

“Sonny Weems was a handful,” South Carolina Coach Dave Odom said. “Seems like every time we come in here, one guy just goes off. I was worried about Sonny Weems because I think he’s a terrific player. He really is.”

Arkansas Coach John Pelphrey said Weems didn’t have an all-around great game, pointing out some turnovers and defensive lapses, but his offense kept Arkansas in the game when the Gamecocks threatened to pull away in the second half.

“We’re trying to put Sonny in situations he can be successful,” Pelphrey said. “I thought he gave a valiant effort.”

Weems, of West Memphis, said he has embraced his role as a scorer. That’s the only satisfaction he begrudgingly acknowledged from the game, which continued his strong offensive play of late.

“It gives my team a chance to win, me being more aggressive,” Weems said. “That’s what I’m trying to do. I’m going to continue to be aggressive and help my team improve.”

Weems’ play won him a convert in Downey. Downey said he knew Weems was good but came away even more impressed after the game.

“It just seemed like a quiet 28,” Downey said. “When they needed a bucket, they went to him. To be honest, I knew he was good, but I didn’t know he was that good. He’s a heck of a player.”