Terrell’s Late Free Throws Lift SMC Past Coastal Georgia, 69–68

BRUNSWICK, Georgia - Spartanburg Methodist College freshman CJ Terrell made a pair of free throws with one second remaining after a clutch offensive rebound to lift the Pioneers to a 69–68 win over host Coastal Georgia.

"I am very proud of how our guys played tonight," said SMC head coach Blake Jackson. "They persevered through the ups and downs and believed in each other. Coastal is a very talented and well coached team."

Coastal Georgia took a 68–66 lead with 19 seconds left on two free throws. Following a timeout by SMC head coach Blake Jackson, the Pioneers turned to Tavarez Lacey, who made one of two free throws with three seconds remaining to cut the deficit to one.

On the missed second attempt, Terrell secured the offensive rebound and was fouled with two seconds left. He calmly made the first free throw to tie the game at 68 as the Mariners attempted to ice the freshman with a timeout. When play resumed, Terrell converted the second free throw to give SMC the lead.

A last-second 3-point attempt by Coastal Georgia came up short, sealing the win for the Pioneers.

SMC placed a season-high five players in double figures. Calvin Brown led the Pioneers with 13 points, while Musa Muriithi and Terrell added 11 each. Reserves Kelton Teasley and Lacey chipped in 10 points apiece.

For Coastal Georgia, Derrick "Mannie" Harris and Kycean Pruett paced the Mariners with 11 points each.

SMC will be idle for the next 13 days before returning to action on Dec. 29 against Brewton-Parker in Mount Vernon, Georgia. The two teams previously met in Spartanburg on Nov. 29, where the Pioneers earned an 84–66 victory over the Barons.