Ferguson's double-double helps Winthrop beat SC State, 86-61

Nov 27, 2017, 02:18 am

ROCK HILL, S.C. -- Josh Ferguson had his first career double-double and Austin Awad hit five 3-pointers and finished with 16 points -- both career highs -- to help Winthrop beat winless South Carolina State 86-61 on Sunday night.

Ferguson was 10-of-15 shooting and had career bests of 21 points and 15 rebounds. Xavier Cooks and Charles Falden added 12 points apiece for Winthrop (3-3). Cooks also had a season-high three blocked shots, giving him 164 in his career, one shy of the school record (Duby Okeke, 2014-17).

Anders Broman made four free throws to spark an 8-0 run that gave the Eagles a 16-8 lead, Awad hit a 3-pointer to push the advantage to 14 points late in the first half before Winthrop went into the break leading 43-31. The Bulldogs scored the first five second-half points to trim their deficit to seven, but Ferguson answered with a layup before Awad hit a 3 and Winthrop had a double-digit lead it maintained.

Damani Applewhite had 11 points and a career-high 12 rebounds -- the sophomore's first career double-double -- for South Carolina State (0-6).