VMI holds off Chattanooga 68-65 in Big South finale
LEXINGTON, Va. -- Bubba Parham scored 16 points, Austin Vereen got a key steal leading to critical free throws for Garrett Gilkeson with 6.9 seconds left and VMI defeated Chattanooga 68-65 on Sunday.
The game that determined the No. 9 and No. 10 seeds for the Southern Conference Tournament that begins on Friday in Asheville, North Carolina, was decided when Makinde London's 3-pointer went off the rim as time expired.
London had a dunk and 3-pointer 20 seconds apart to end an 8-0 run that pulled the Mocs within 66-65 with 1:24 to play. VMI missed two shots but grabbed two offensive rebounds on the ensuing possession before a turnover by Vereen and a steal by London. However, Vereen immediately stole the ball back before Gilkeson was fouled.
Fred Iruafemi had 12 points and Vereen 11 for the Keydets (9-20, 4-14).
London and Nat Dixon had 16 points apiece for the Mocs (9-22, 3-15), who were down 17 with 17:52 to play.
Game Information
- Referees:
- Brent Hampton
- Doug Sirmons
- Evan Berg
2023-24 Southern Conference Standings
Team | CONF | GB | OVR |
---|---|---|---|
Samford | 15-3 | - | 29-6 |
UNC Greensboro | 12-6 | 3 | 21-11 |
Chattanooga | 12-6 | 3 | 21-12 |
Western Carolina | 11-7 | 4 | 22-10 |
Wofford | 10-8 | 5 | 17-15 |
Furman | 10-8 | 5 | 17-16 |
East Tennessee State | 8-10 | 7 | 19-16 |
Mercer | 8-10 | 7 | 16-17 |
The Citadel | 3-15 | 12 | 11-21 |
VMI | 1-17 | 14 | 4-28 |