SPARTANBURG, S.C. (AP) - RaySean Scott scored a career-high 21 points and Florida Gulf Coast became the first team in the country this season to clinch a league title, beating South Carolina Upstate 88-71 on Saturday.
FGCU (20-8, 11-0 Atlantic Sun) roared back from a 44-29 halftime deficit and outscored the Spartans 59-27 after halftime on 73-percent shooting. The Eagles, winners of 13 straight, shot 24 of 33 after intermission while USC Upstate was 9 of 34 after the break.
Jure Span’s 3-pointer with 18:19 left put the Spartans ahead 47-33 before FGCU went on an 8-0 run in a little more than two minutes. Deion Holmes’ layup with 13:35 left put the Spartans up 51-46 but went scoreless for more than four minutes. Zach Johnson’s 3-point play gave the Eagles a 53-51 lead they’d never surrender.
People were interested in these podcasts
Brandon Goodwin scored 19 and Johnson and Christian Terrell each scored 14 for FGCU.
Mike Cunningham scored 26 for USC Upstate (7-21, 2-9). Holmes added 16 and Ramel Thompkins 13.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.