Box Score Tigerville, S.C. – A late run by the Crusaders of North Greenville University (10-5, 5-4) thwarted the visiting Erskine Flying Fleet's upset bid with a last second basket to top the Fleet 71 to 69 this afternoon in Conference Carolinas men's basketball action at Hayes Gymnasium.
After leading by eight at halftime, Erskine (7-9, 3-6) quickly built their lead to double-digits to open the second half. Following a basket by NGU's Korval McElroy, senior
DeShaun Hall (Inman, SC, Landrum High School) found freshman
Ray Lock (Aiken, SC, Oak Hill Academy) on a cut to the basket for a layup and a ten-point lead. The Fleet extended their lead to as many as sixteen before NGU made their improbable run.
Over a five minute span, the Crusaders scored eleven unanswered points to take their first lead since the closing minutes of the opening period.
Erskine immediately retook the lead on sophomore Brandon Wilkerson's 3-point play. Wilkerson drove the lane, drew the foul and hit the short runner. He made the free throw to stake the Fleet back to a two point lead.
With a 1:21 left to play, NGU's Spencer Reaves hit a jump shot to tie the game for the fourth time in the last two minutes. Over the final minute both teams had an opportunity to grab the lead but neither team could convert.
The Crusaders got one last possession after an Erskine miss. With just two clicks remaining on the clock, Phillip Brown hit a contested layup for the game-winner.
Erskine got another outstanding offensive performance from Lock. The freshman post player poured in 21 points on 7 of 11 shooting, including a 3 of 5 performance from behind the arc. It is the third consecutive game that Lock has led the Fleet in scoring. Hall contributed 17 points and 6 assists.
For the Crusaders, Brown filled the stat sheet with 21 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals. McElroy contributed 16 points and teammate Spencer Reaves scored 19 points.
Erskine plays their second of four straight road games on Monday against the Bobcats of Lees-McRae College. Game time is set for 7:30 p.m.
