Darius Rucker puts on free concert at U. of South Carolina

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — Darius Rucker has made good on his word.

In the fall, the country music star said he'd put on a free concert for University of South Carolina students if his alma mater's football team got six wins in the season.

Wednesday night he made good on his promise, performing at the Colonial Life Arena in Columbia. Rucker and bandmates formed Hootie & the Blowfish while they were students at South Carolina.

The concert happened because of a football pledge, but the school's basketball success was celebrated, too.

Women's coach Dawn Staley and men's coach Frank Martin led a Gamecock chant together.

Staley is fresh off her team's NCAA national championship win, and the trophy was carried onto the stage. The men's team made its first Final Four appearance this year.