Middleton’s Late Basket Lifts Pioneers to 71–70 Road Win

Spartanburg Methodist College senior Desitny Middleton entered the game in the final 16 seconds with the Pioneers trailing 70–69. After sophomore Krystal Johnson missed a jumper, a scramble for the loose ball ensued. Middleton reacted quickly, securing possession and converting the go-ahead basket that proved to be the game winner. The visiting Bulldogs' last-second layup attempt came up short, sealing a 71–70 road victory for SMC to open the 2026 calendar year.

Spartanburg Methodist College (7-7, 3-5 AAC) was led by a 22-point performance from senior Najah Gilliam, who knocked down six 3-pointers in the win. She was joined in double figures by junior Halle Traylor with 16 points, while senior Latavius Wilson recorded a double-double with 15 points and 11 rebounds. Middleton finished with seven points and nine rebounds.

Tennessee Wesleyan (4-9, 3-5 AAC) was paced by Camryn Brown's 19 points and 16 from Jordan White in the loss. Brown connected on a pair of 3-pointers in the final 1:05 of regulation to force overtime.

The Pioneers opened the extra period on a 10–2 run, taking a 67–59 lead on a jumper by Wilson. Tennessee Wesleyan responded with an 11–1 run of its own to take a 70–69 lead with 38 seconds remaining. A go-ahead layup by Julia Howard put the Bulldogs in front by one.

After a foul with 23 seconds remaining and out of timeouts, the Pioneers executed their final possession, resulting in the decisive basket.

Next, SMC will face Carolina (N.C.) in Winston-Salem on Wednesday, Jan. 7, at 6 p.m. The teams split their two meetings during the 2024–25 season, with each winning on its home court.