Terrell’s Season-High 27 Fuels SMC’s Late Push in 91–81 Loss to Georgia Gwinnett

SPARTANBURG, SC – A 16–4 advantage in second-chance points and a 10-rebound edge on the offensive glass proved to be just enough as visiting Georgia Gwinnett earned a 91–81 win over host Spartanburg Methodist College on Wednesday night.

The Pioneers (4–15) shot 50 percent from the field and knocked down 10 three-pointers in the loss. Freshman CJ Terrell continued his strong rookie campaign with a season-best 27 points. He was joined in double figures by Tavarez Lacey, who scored 17 points off the bench, along with Kennedy Aiken-Shannon (12) and Calvin Brown (10).

The visiting Grizzlies (15–6) also shot 50 percent from the field and connected on 12 three-pointers in the win. Jahiem Berry led Georgia Gwinnett with a team-high 25 points, hitting seven three-pointers. Patrick Johnson and Deonte' Martinez also finished in double figures with 18 and 15 points, respectively.

Back-to-back layups by Terrell gave the Pioneers an early 11–7 lead. Georgia Gwinnett responded by overcoming the deficit with a 20–2 run to take control of the game and lead for the remainder of the contest. Despite trailing by 21 at halftime, SMC showed resilience in the second half. The Pioneers cut the deficit to single digits when Aiken-Shannon drilled a three-pointer with 13:16 remaining to make it a 58–49 game.

Later in the half, SMC pulled within six, 87–81, after Lacey made one of two free throws with 41 seconds left. However, the Grizzlies sealed the game at the line, with Mario Hill Jr. converting three free throws to halt the comeback attempt.

Spartanburg Methodist College will return to action on Friday, hosting Bryan at 4 p.m. in a rematch of the teams' November 25 meeting, a 62–61 Pioneers victory in Dayton, Tennessee.