Pioneers Clinch 2nd Place With Win Over USC-Salkehatchie

SPARTANBURG, SC- In front of a near capacity crowd, the SMC Pioneers pushed through to a 70-64 win Saturday night over USC Salkehatchie and finished the regular season No. 2 in the NJCAA Region X.

The Pioneers started off the game having trouble getting their offense rolling and were down 33-29 at halftime. Led by CJ Gleaton, the Pioneers turned the game around after the half and took charge of the court.

Despite an injury sustained a week prior against Cape Fear, and with minimal conditioning and no practice, Gleaton put his offensive skills to work to lead the team to the win.

During the game, Coach Rob Burke recognized the Pioneers' two graduating sophomores, Kendall Sherrill and Darion Canty, for their contributions and leadership during the season.

The 2010 Region X Division I Basketball Tournament begins Thursday in Fort Mill, SC and hosted by Clinton Junior College.  You see can catch the action at the Lifepointe Community Center, exit 88, Interstate 77 in Fort Mills, SC (next to the Charlotte Knights Baseball Stadium).

Thursday, March 4:
4:00 #2 SMC vs. #7 Denmark Tech
6:00 #3 Brunswick CC vs. #6 USC Salkehatchie
8:00 #5 Aiken Tech CC vs. #4 Clinton Junior College

Friday, March 5:
6:00 2/7 winner vs. 3/6 winner
8:00 #1Cape Fear CC vs. 4/5 winner

Saturday, March 6:
2:00 Championship

Spartanburg Methodist College is in its 99th year of providing quality education to students in a Christian environment.  More than 90 percent of SMC graduates continue their education at other institutions of higher learning.   

For more information contact the SMC Office of Sports Information at (864) 587-4008.