TIGERVILLE, S.C. – Three Bobcats posted double figures, while
Quay Kimble finished with a season-high 10 assists, but it was not enough as fourth-seeded North Greenville went 10 for 12 from the charity stripe in the final minute to clinch the 93-88 victory in the Conference Carolinas Quarterfinals this evening.
THE BASICS
FINAL SCORE: No. 4 North Greenville – 93; No. 5 Lees-McRae - 88
LOCATION: Hayes Gymnasium – Tigerville, South Carolina
RECORDS: North Greenville (10-6), Lees-McRae (6-6)
HOW IT HAPPENED:
- Andrew Gardner paced the Bobcats with 17 points and four rebounds off the bench.
- Justin Nichelson chipped in 15 points and a team-high eight rebounds, while Anthony Hicks added 11 points and two assists.
- Kimble tallied eight points, five rebounds, 10 assists and two steals.
- Wes Morgan and Timon Jones finished with nine and eight points respectively.
- Lees-McRae looked to be in control early, using a 22-9 run to take a 28-27 lead with 3:41 remaining in the first half.
- The Bobcats took a 50-38 lead into halftime as Gardner connected on a jumper as time expired.
- North Greenville slowly chipped away at the lead and used a fast-break layup and ensuring free throw to take a 68-65 lead with 8:23 left in the contest.
- Lees-McRae reclaimed the lead just over a minute and a half later and held the advantage until the Crusaders converted a steal into a fast-break layup to take a 77-75 edge with 4:06 left.
- Gardner scored the next five Bobcat points to cut the deficit to 81-80 with 2:21 left, North Greenville tallied 10-unanswered points en route to claiming the victory.
- Lees-McRae shot 52.3 percent from the field and 46 percent from distance but were outscored 27-7 in free throws.
FOR THE FOES:
- Jacob Redding finished with a game-high 29 points to pace the Crusaders.
- Jalon Cokley added 22 points and seven rebounds, while Joe Conley chipped in 14 points.
UP NEXT:
The Bobcats' season ends with a 6-6 overall record, while No. 4 North Greenville will face the winner of the No. 1 Emmanuel and No. 8 King matchup on Thursday.
For more information on Lees-McRae Athletics, follow the Bobcats on Twitter (@LMCBobcats), on Facebook (Lees-McRae Athletics), and on Instagram (leesmcraeathletics).
