ROCK HILL, S.C. – Anderson University Men's Basketball (27-2, 21-2 SAC) survived a late push by the No. 8 Wingate Bulldogs (15-14, 10-12 SAC), advancing to the South Atlantic Conference Semifinals for the third time in program history and the first since 2014.
"What a game! Really proud of our whole team staying together and finding a way to win." said head coach
Jimmie Williams.
The Bulldogs took an early 5-0 lead to begin the contest before Anderson responded to keep a slim margin throughout the opening half. The Trojans found a rhythm, securing a 12-point lead with just five minutes left on the clock. Coming out of the break, the Bulldogs aimed to trim the deficit, succeeding with a 12-1 run to gain a six-point lead over the Black and Gold. Anderson's defense persisted, holding Wingate to a tight contest.
With just over a minute remaining in the final half, freshman
Rashawn Inglemon (Sacramento, Calif.) ignited the Trojans with a jumper before turning a fastbreak steal into a bucket to push Anderson in front with 54 seconds left. Wingate answered with a deep bucket to reclaim a one-point edge with 38 seconds remaining. Moments later, junior
Osmar Garcia-Araujo (Sugar Hill, Ga.) followed with a layup for the Trojans to take the final lead of the game with 24 seconds left on the scoreboard. The Black and Gold's defense was firm in the final seconds with a block by Garcia-Araujo and forcing a miss to secure the 69-67 victory.
"It's never easy in March, and often times games come down to players making plays late." added Williams. "There were so many moments that were big for us down the stretch. My favorite thing about this team is they don't panic or waiver, and they always believe in each other and in their ability to get the job done. Hats off to Wingate for playing a great game. It's always hard to play a team for a third time especially a team like Wingate who is coached by a guy that has won a lot of games, especially in this tournament."
Inglemon led the Trojans offensively with 25 points on the board while shooting 57.1% from the floor, 50.0% from three and 100%, going 6-for-6, from the line. Defensively, the Sacramento native grabbed three boards and boasted three steals on the night. Garcia-Araujo led the Trojans defensively, tallying seven rebounds and two steals to add to Anderson's final count. Offensively, he posted 17 points, shooting 66.6% from the floor and 71.4% from the charity stripe.
Graduate
Kadyn Dawkins rounded out the Trojan's double-digit scorers with 12 points, going 2-for-2 from the line and posting a 50.0 free throw and three-point percentage. He also added four rebounds and three steals to contribute to Anderson's defense. Off the bench, junior
Dallas Jones (Gainesville, Fla.) put up eight points while grabbing two rebounds and posting a 42.8 field goal percentage.
"Osmar was big on both ends in the closing moments with the big bucket and the block on the other end.
Dallas Jones was big in the second half off the bench. All our guys gave their all and we made just enough plays to get it done. Survive and advance to God be the glory."
The Black and Gold boasted an 88.2 shooting percentage from the line and for an advantage over the Bulldogs. Setting the tone defensively, Anderson tallied 27 rebounds, nine steals and two blocks on the contest.
The semifinal round of the tournament will take place at the Rock Hill Sports & Events Center in Rock Hill, S.C. on Friday, March 6. The Black and Gold will face the winner of No. 4 Lincoln Memorial vs. No. 5 Carson-Newman. Tipoff is slated for 5 p.m.
