FGCU clinches A-Sun title with 88-71 win over SC Upstate

Feb 11, 2018, 12:20 am

SPARTANBURG, S.C. -- RaySean Scott scored a career-high 21 points and Florida Gulf Coast became the first team in the country this season to clinch a league title, beating South Carolina Upstate 88-71 on Saturday.

FGCU (20-8, 11-0 Atlantic Sun) roared back from a 44-29 halftime deficit and outscored the Spartans 59-27 after halftime on 73-percent shooting. The Eagles, winners of 13 straight, shot 24 of 33 after intermission while USC Upstate was 9 of 34 after the break.

Jure Span's 3-pointer with 18:19 left put the Spartans ahead 47-33 before FGCU went on an 8-0 run in a little more than two minutes. Deion Holmes' layup with 13:35 left put the Spartans up 51-46 but went scoreless for more than four minutes. Zach Johnson's 3-point play gave the Eagles a 53-51 lead they'd never surrender.

Brandon Goodwin scored 19 and Johnson and Christian Terrell each scored 14 for FGCU.

Mike Cunningham scored 26 for USC Upstate (7-21, 2-9). Holmes added 16 and Ramel Thompkins 13.