In an exciting semifinal clash of the Big South Conference Tournament in Johnson City, Tenn., the third-seeded Winthrop Eagles soared to an 86-67 victory over the second-seeded UNC Asheville Bulldogs on Saturday. With this win, Winthrop (23-10) secures its spot in the championship game, where they will challenge the top-seeded High Point (28-5) on Sunday.
Central to Winthrop’s triumph was the outstanding performance of Nick Johnson, who delivered 15 points, hitting a remarkable 5 of 6 from beyond the arc and 5 of 9 overall from the field. Supporting the team’s success, Kelton Talford made his mark with a double-double, managing 14 points and 13 impressive rebounds. Additionally, Kasen Harrison contributed significantly with 14 points and an impressive nine assists, showcasing Winthrop’s versatility on the court.
In response for the Bulldogs (21-11), Toyaz Solomon scored 15 points and snagged eight rebounds. Meanwhile, Kameron Taylor added a solid 14 points, six rebounds, and two blocks, bolstering UNC Asheville’s efforts. Notably, Josh Banks also made a contribution with 10 points and seven rebounds to his name.
The game saw Winthrop claim the lead with 11:35 remaining in the first half, maintaining their domination thereafter. By halftime, they had secured a 46-30 advantage, fueled by Johnson’s impressive 12-point contribution. In the latter half, Paul Jones III stepped up, scoring 10 of his 13 points to cement Winthrop’s command over the game.
