Winthrop men’s basketball suffered a heartbreaking 93-90 loss to North Dakota on Saturday afternoon at Winthrop Coliseum, dropping the Eagles to 0-2 on the season.
The Eagles started strong, using a 14-0 run early in the first half to build a 12-point advantage. North Dakota gradually worked its way back, but Winthrop maintained a 45-42 lead at halftime.
The Fighting Hawks took control early in the second half, eventually building a seven-point advantage. Winthrop continued to battle, however, and a three-pointer from Spence Sims with 39 seconds remaining gave the Eagles a 90-89 lead.
North Dakota responded with four consecutive free throws from Luke Winkel in the final 31 seconds to regain the lead and secure the three-point victory.
Sims led Winthrop with 25 points, including seven three-pointers. Anthony Smith III and Keshawn Fisher added 15 points apiece, while Kyle Morgan contributed 12.
North Dakota was led by Samuel Hincapie, who finished with 26 points and seven rebounds.
Winthrop shot 52% from the field and connected on 11 three-pointers but was hurt by turnovers and free-throw opportunities. North Dakota converted 34 of 41 free throws and scored 26 points off 15 Eagle turnovers.
The loss snapped Winthrop’s 11-game home winning streak and nine-game home-opening winning streak.
The Eagles return to action Tuesday, Nov. 10, traveling to Kennesaw, Georgia, to face Kennesaw State at 7 p.m.
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Thomas Hyslip lives in Tega Cay with his wife and daughter. After 27 years in the U.S. Army and Federal Law Enforcement, he retired to pursue his passion for teaching. Tom is now an Associate Professor of Instruction at the University of South Florida. In 2 short years he has won 10 awards from the South Carolina Press Association, including first place in column writing, education beat reporting and best podcast.
