Winthrop University Struggles in Big South Home Opener
Rock Hill, S.C.-
– In a nail-biting showdown, Winthrop University lost their Big South home opener to USC Upstate. The loss took place in the final second of the game.
Game Highlights
On Jan. 6, 2024, the Winthrop Eagles lost to the USC Upstate Spartans 52-51. Winthrop made an impressive start, leading 9-0 just three minutes into the game. This promising start was fueled by excellent performances from Leonor Paisana and Blessing Okoh, who each landed a long-range score. However, the Spartans quickly responded, eventually flattering the Eagles’ early nine-point lead by the end of the first quarter.
In the second quarter, the Spartan’s came back and tied the game going into the break by scoring seven points, while Winthrop held strong with a lead of 25-18. The third quarter ran high with excitement and suspense as both teams traded baskets for most of the frame. Yet, Winthrop kept their cool, finishing the third quarter with a six-point lead.
Into the final quarter, Jada Ryce gave the Eagles an eight-point head start. The Spartans quickly bridged this gap with a series of successful free throws, bringing the scoreline within a two-point difference with only three minutes left to play. After a nail-biting final few minutes where both teams fought hard to secure the win, it was the Spartans who came out on top clinching the victory by making two free throws in the last two-tenths of a second of the game.
Notable Performances
Despite the loss, highlights of the match were the fine display of skill and determination from individual players. Marissa Gasaway, with her 11 rebounds, delivered a strong performance, Leonor Paisana is now only six three-pointers away from making it into the Top 10 in school history of career triples, while Jada Ryce and Ronaltha Marc were crucial in bolstering the attacking prowess of their team.
Looking Ahead
Winthrop, now holding a season’s status of seven wins and eight losses, aims for a stronger performance in their upcoming match against Presbyterian on Wednesday at 6:00 p.m. The team will need to dig deep to overcome this recent setback and focus on regaining their winning form.
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