JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. — In a decisive performance, third-seeded Winthrop clinched an 86-67 victory over No. 2 seed UNC Asheville in the semifinals of the Big South Conference Tournament on Saturday.
Winthrop, now 23-10 for the season, will advance to the championship game where they will face the top-seeded team, High Point, which boasts a 28-5 record, on Sunday.
Leading the charge for the Eagles, Nick Johnson scored 15 points and showcased his shooting skill by making 5 of 9 attempts from the field, including an impressive 5 for 6 from beyond the arc. Meanwhile, Kelton Talford was a powerhouse on the court with 14 points and an impressive 13 rebounds. Kasen Harrison contributed significantly as well, scoring 14 points and delivering nine assists.
On the other side, the Bulldogs (21-11) delivered noteworthy performances with Toyaz Solomon scoring 15 points and grabbing eight rebounds. Kameron Taylor contributed with a solid 14 points, six rebounds, and two blocks, while Josh Banks added 10 points and seven rebounds to the cause.
The Eagles took the lead midway through the first half, precisely at the 11:35 mark, and maintained their dominance throughout the game. By halftime, Winthrop had established a commanding lead of 46-30, largely contributed by Johnson’s early scoring of 12 points. As the game progressed, Paul Jones III added to the scoreboard with 10 of his 13 points coming in the second half.
