March Nails Game-Winner at the Free Throw Line, PSC Gets by Edward Waters

LITTLE ROCK, Arkansas -- In a game that wasn't decided until the final seconds, Philander Smith topped Edward Waters 75-74 in the conference opener for both schools. Ronald March made the first of two free throws with :02 on the clock to give the Panthers the win and snap their two-game losing streak. EWC lost its third straight contest.

March had a game-high 30 points for Philander Smith, making 10 of his 19 field goal attempts and nine of 13 free throws (including the game-winner). Rashad Brackeen (13) and Chris Ward (11) were the other two Panthers to reach double figures.

Keith Williams Jr. scored 24 points to lead the Tigers. Charles-Eddie Smith chipped in with 15 points off of the bench, with Oceann Maddox (12) and Derrick Davis (11) combining for 23 points and eight rebounds.

The game was tied at 32 at the half, but Philander Smith came out for the second half and went on an 11-0 run to go up 46-35 with 17 minutes to play. A D'Angelo Tucker three pointer put the Panthers up 62-50 with 10:43 remaining.

The margin was still 12 at the with less than seven minutes in the game when the Tigers made their push. Williams made back-to-back buckets to cut the lead to six. Edward Waters continued to attack, shaving the deficit at the free throw line by making 27 of 33 attempts. A 16-4 run would tie the game at 74 with 15 seconds remaining. Charles-Eddie Smith sank three from behind the line after a foul by March to even the score.

March would have the ball in his hands as time wound down and would get fouled by the Tigers' Derrick Davis with :02 on the clock. March would hit the first and miss the second, giving PSC the victory.

Philander Smith (8-8, 1-0 GCAC) will host Dillard at home on Monday night while Edward Waters (6-9, 0-1) goes on the road to take on No. 17 Xavier.

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