ANDERSON, S.C. -- The Trojans got a bigtime win over Wingate University in dramatic fashion on Wednesday night, taking the Bulldogs to double overtime before securing a 108-97 victory. The two teams came into the night tied for seventh place in the South Atlantic Conference standings with season statlines that were nearly identical. The Trojans came out on top despite falling to Wingate earlier this season and move to 14-11 overall and 10-11 in the SAC with the win.

"Proud of our team tonight," head coach Jimmie Williams said. "We battled adversity and it seemed like both teams had an answer every time they needed it. Tonight was big for our program. Finding a way to finish late in the season is always something great teams do. Proud of our growth, and to God be the glory. I love this team."

The first half saw five lead changes with the Trojans going in to the locker room up 34-31 after a defensive battle. The second half was decisive, with the Trojans maintaining a lead and building up to as much as a 22-point difference at 66-44 with eight minutes to play. The Bulldogs then went on a 31-9 run down the stretch to tie things up at 75 and force overtime. 

The first five minutes were back-and-forth with two lead changes and neither team gaining complete control. But the Trojans took the lead early in the final overtime and got their first two possession lead since early in the second half to ride to the 108-97 win.

AJ Wright Jr. (Tampa, Fla.) was huge for the Trojans, with a double-double of 21 points and a career-high 12 rebounds along with seven assists. It was the sophomore's second double-double of the season and first with rebounds. 

Cole Middleton (Atlanta, Ga.) dropped 24 points with six rebounds while Dallas Jones (Gainesville, Fla.) came up with 22 points and six rebounds.

Sam Perez (Apex, N.C.) was big for the Trojans on both sides of the ball with 13 points, seven rebounds and seven assists.

Caleb McAbee (Saint Johns, Fla.) came off the bench for 11 points and five rebounds. James Repass (Jacksonville Beach, Fla.) tacked on six points. 

"Kendall Taylor is a guy you can only hope to slow down, and when he gets going it's hard to settle things down," Williams said. "We needed everyone tonight. AJ, our leader, or floor general left everything he had on the floor. 12 rebounds and 21 points shows who he is. Our bench was big. James has continued to impact our team on both ends inside. Caleb and Malachi played tough and both hit big shots when we needed them. Huge night from Sam with seven boards, seven assists, and no turnovers and he had the ball a lot late. And then late Cole and Dallas played like the leaders and winners they are, finishing it off for us."

The Trojans will look to continue to close the regular season hard on Saturday, Feb. 22 when they host Emory & Henry University for Senior Day at 4:00 p.m.