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March is synonymous with college basketball, and USC Upstate’s thrilling win got the month off to an incredible start.
Jordan Gainey banked in a 3-pointer in the game’s final seconds to defeat Gardner-Webb in the quarterfinals of the Big South Conference tournament Friday.
Before Gainey’s game-winning shot, a series of remarkable events pulled USC Upstate within two points.
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Jordan Gainey (11) of the USC Upstate Spartans shoots the game-winning shot during the Big South Tournament against the Gardner-Webb Runnin’ Bulldogs March 3, 2023, at Bojangles Coliseum in Charlotte, N.C. (David Jensen/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
After a pair of free throws from Gardner-Webb’s Anthony Selden, Gardner-Webb led 76-71 late in the game. With only nine seconds remaining, Gainey made a 3-pointer to make it 76-74.
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Leading by two, Gardner-Webb had possession and needed to inbound the ball, draw a foul and make free throws to seal the game.
But a mistimed inbound pass created a scramble. Gainey grabbed the ball and quickly dribbled past defenders.
Jordan Gainey (11) of the USC Upstate Spartans shoots the ball over Lucas Stieber (13) of the Gardner-Webb Runnin’ Bulldogs during the Big South Tournament March 3, 2023, at Bojangles Coliseum in Charlotte, N.C. (David Jensen/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
As the clock’s final seconds ticked away, an off-balance Gainey attempted a shot.
With 0.1 left on the clock, Gainey’s 3-pointer banked in to give USC Upstate the 77-76 win.
Gainey scored 25 points on 9 of 16 shooting, including 3-for-8 from distance for the Spartans (16-14). He also grabbed two rebounds and recorded a steal during the game.
Trae Broadnax and Khydarius Smith each scored 12 points.
Jordan Gainey (11) of the USC Upstate Spartans shoots the game-winning shot during the Big South Tournament against the Gardner-Webb Runnin’ Bulldogs March 3, 2023, at Bojangles Coliseum in Charlotte, N.C. (David Jensen/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
The Runnin’ Bulldogs (15-16) were led by Kareem Reid, who scored 19 points and added seven rebounds. Anthony Selden added 16 points and seven rebounds for Gardner-Webb. DQ Nicholas also had 15 points.
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USC Upstate (16-14) with face UNC Asheville in the Big South semifinals.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
