S.C. State defeats Longwood 83-77 in EKU Hoops Classic

RICHMOND, Kentucky — Senior forward Gabriel McCray tossed in a game-high 23 points on 9-of-13 shooting and grabbed seven rebounds to lead South Carolina State to an 83-77 opening round victory over Longwood University in the EKU Hoops Classic Friday (Nov. 20) at McBrayer Arena.

Sophomore guard Ed Stephens added 13 on 3-of-6 shooting from 3-point range, whileGreg Mortimer chipped in 10. The Bulldogs got a strong showing from its frontcourt with senior forward Darryl Palmer and Luka Radovic both scoring nine points each in the paint. Palmer also finished with four (4) blocks on the night.

The Bulldogs got off to a slow start falling behind 15-9 off a dunk by Lotanna Nwogbo at the 13:49 mark in the first-half.  A tip-in by Radovic sparked a 14-6 run to put SC State ahead 23-21 with 7:21 remaining. 

McCray scored 14 of his points in the first half to help the Bulldogs build a 39-30 lead at intermission

South Carolina State controlled most of the second-half building its largest lead of the night 12, 46-34 off a dunk by Palmer at the 17:22 mark. A three-pointer by Darrion Allen pull The Lancers within two, 58-56 with 10:10 remaining.

McCray's jumper with 0:59 seconds left in regulation push the Bulldogs lead to nine, 77-68. South Carolina State avoided a late rally surge from Longwood to secure an impressive 83-77 victory.

The Bulldogs defense forced 14 turnovers, while getting 21 points from bench play. SC State also shot 72% (18-of-25) from the free-throw line.  Other Bulldogs with solid performances were junior guard Eric Eaves and sophomore forward Tashombe Rileytossing in eight points each.

South Carolina State improves to 2-1 overall and will face host Eastern Kentucky Saturday (Nov. 21) in a 2 p.m. tip-off.

2015 @EKUHoops Classic Schedule

Nov. 20   Ball State 81, EKU 89    
               Longwood 77, SC State 83
Nov. 21   SC State vs EKU -2 p.m.    
               Longwood vs Ball State-4:30 p.m.
Nov. 22    Longwood at EKU-2 p.m.  
               SC State vs. Ball State-4:30 p.m. 
 
Follow all games live: Click link http://www.sidearmstats.com/eku/mbball/

NEXT UP: Following this weekend's tournament, SC State will host Allen University on Wednesday (Nov.26) at Smith-Hammond-Middleton Memorial Center. Tip-off is 6 p.m.

COURTESY SOUTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION