Winthrop comeback falls short against Georgia Southern

This time, the comeback effort fell short.

One night after rallying from a big deficit to beat William & Mary, Winthrop dropped an 89-87 decision to Georgia Southern on Saturday in Day 2 of the Rock Hill Classic at the Rock Hill Sports & Event Center.

The Eagles (3-2) will close out the three-day event Sunday by facing N.C. Central at 2:30 p.m.

Georgia Southern, which is 2-0 in the event, plays William & Mary in the noon opener.

Georgia Southern (4-1) built an 85-74 lead over the Eagles with 2:15 left. But just as was the case Friday, Winthrop fought back. The Eagles went on an 8-0 run and closed the gap to 88-87 on a Kasen Harrison tip-in after a steal.

Georgia Southern then made a free throw with 12 seconds left. The Eagles got the rebound after a second foul shot missed, but Harrison was called for stepping on the line.

Winthrop appeared to steal the Georgia Southern inbounds pass, but a video review overruled the call. Georgia Southern got the ball inbounds and ran out the clock.

Harrison led Winthrop with 24 points and five rebounds, and K.J. Doucet added 18 points and 10 rebounds. Kelton Talford also scored 18.

It was a foul-plagued game, as the teams combined for 77 free throws. Winthrop made 36 of 49 from the line.

On Friday night, Winthrop trailed William & Mary 53-40 with 17:30 left in the game but battled back for an 86-85 victory. The winning points came on a Bryce Baker three-point field goal from the corner as the buzzer sounded.

Nick Johnson (17 points) and Baker (16) led Winthrop.

It was coach Mark Prosser’s 100th career victory and his 100th game as head coach at Winthrop. It was also the 800th victory in the Winthrop men’s basketball program.