1st round, Tuesday, February 27, 2017 (Big South Network)
#10 Longwood 68, #7 High Point 55 (Box Score)
Longwood upset High Point on Tuesday night in the first round of the Big South Tournament, as they jumped out to a 25-7 lead after the first 11 minutes of the game. The Lancers pick up their first win in 3 tries against the Panthers this season, losing the first two by 19 and 20 points. Despite typically finishing near the bottom of the regular season standings, Longwood always seems to find a way to scratch out a win or two in the Big South Tournament. The Lancers are 5-5 all-time in the event.
#8 Charleston Southern 68, #9 Presbyterian 51 (Box Score)
The Buccaneers continue their hot play as they have now won 3 straight, six out of 7, and 8 of their last 10. Three CSU players scored in double figures, none of which were 2nd team all conference selection Christian Keeling or All-Freshman team honoree Phlandrous Fleming. CSU led wire-to-wire and by as many as 22 points to earn a date with top-seeded UNC Asheville in Thursday’s quarterfinals.
Quarterfinals, Thursday, March 1, 2018 (ESPN3)
Games Played in Asheville, NC
#2 Radford 59, #10 Longwood 53 (Box Score)
Despite being large underdogs, the 10-seed Lancers give Radford everything they wanted for 40 minutes. With the game tied at 53, the Highlanders’ Donald Hicks nailed a 3-pointer with 34 seconds left to give Mike Jones’ team a 3 point lead. B.K. Ashe’s 3 with 17 seconds was just off target, as Longwood’s upset bid was foiled. Hicks led Radford with 16 points on 5-of-6 three pointers. Ed Polite had 13 points and 7 rebounds.
#3 Winthrop 72, #6 Gardner-Webb 68 (Box Score)
Despite Big South Player of the Year Xavier Cooks struggling to 11 points on 5-of-16 shooting, the Eagles were able to outlast the Runnin’ Bulldogs to advance to Friday’s semifinals. Four Winthrop players reached double figures and they made 12 three pointers in the win. Gardner-Webb’s Liam O’Reilly scored 20 points in the loss.
#1 UNCA 71, #8 Charleston Southern 66 (Box Score)
Top seed and host UNC Asheville held a comfortable lead most of the way, but was unable to put the Bucs away until the final minute of the game. The Bulldogs advance to the semifinals just one season after being upset as the 2-seed. First-team all-conference teammates Ahmad Thomas and MaCio Teague had 17 points a piece to pace Asheville.
#5 Liberty 73, #4 Campbell 59
The Flames are the only lower-seeded team to win in the quarterfinal round, knocking off the Camels in the nightcap. Liberty took control early and maintained a double digit lead much of the 2nd half. Five Flames finished in double figures as a balanced scoring attack led the way. Campbell was held to 33% from three point range.
Semifinals, Friday, March 2, 2018 (ESPN3)
Games Played in Asheville, NC
#2 Radford 61, #3 Winthrop 52 (Box Score)
There will be no repeat champion in the Big South as Winthrop fell in the semifinals to Radford. The Highlanders advance to the Big South Championship game for the first time since 2009 and stopped Winthrop’s streak of 4 straight championship game appearances. It was a back and forth battle all evening with each team leading for about half the game and neither team leading by more than 9 points, which was the final margin.
#5 Liberty 69, #1 UNCA 64 (Box Score)
Despite trailing for 32 minutes of game action and by as many as 15, the Flames were able to make a comeback and knockoff top seed and host UNC Asheville. Scottie James dominated the glass, finishing with 18 points and 14 rebounds. Liberty travels to Radford to play for the Big South Championship on Sunday.
