RADFORD, Va. — Hunter Hale scored 28 points and second-seeded Winthrop advanced to the championship game of the Big South Conference tournament by defeating third-seeded Gardner-Webb 78-66 in the semifinals on Friday night.
Hale had seven rebounds and hit 12 of 13 from the free throw line, as the Eagles were 16 of 25 in the second half, making 9 of 10 in the last two minutes.
Chandler Vaudrin scored 14 points and dished six assists for Winthrop (23-10) and Josh Ferguson added 13 points and seven rebounds.
Winthrop faces fifth-seeded Hampton on Sunday.
Jaheam Cornwall tied a career high with 24 points for the Runnin’ Bulldogs (16-16). Eric Jamison Jr. added 14 points. Christian Turner had 12 points.
Grady scores 18 to carry Davidson past VCU
DAVIDSON — Kellan Grady registered 18 points as Davidson won its seventh consecutive home game, getting past VCU 75-65 on Friday night in the regular-season finale for both teams.
Jon Axel Gudmundsson had 17 points for Davidson (16-14, 10-8 Atlantic 10 Conference). Luka Brajkovic added 12 points. Hyunjung Lee had 10 points.
Nah’Shon Hyland had 17 points for the Rams (18-13, 8-10). Marcus Santos-Silva added 12 points.
The Wildcats leveled the season series against the Rams with the win. VCU defeated Davidson 73-62 on Feb. 7.
Davidson will be the No. 7 seed and VCU the No. 9 seed in next week’s conference tournament. Both teams earned a first-round bye.
