Not all that unexpected.
Now he goes to Trump Country where he is 16.4% Real Clear Politics Average on February 9th, 2016.
Trump has been here in South Carolina for months.
Beg to differ
February 9
New Hampshire Republican Presidential Primary Day
ARG
Trump 33, Rubio 14, Kasich 17, Cruz 10, Bush 9, Christie 8, Fiorina 3, Carson 1 Trump +16
Actually, in the RCP average of polls he was at 11.8%, and he got 11.7%. So he was right where he was expected to be. He didn't underperform or overperform.
Trump has been here in South Carolina for months.
So has Cruz. He has had an organization in every county in SC since at least last October, and the super-pacs supporting him have had paid precinct walkers there since November.