Winthrop avoids upset, beats Lander 65-46

ROCK HILL, S.C. (AP) — Andre Jones scored 20 points to help Winthrop avoid an upset loss to Division II Lander with a 65-46 victory on Saturday night.

The Eagles (3-3) struggled early and led 30-28 at halftime, but outscored Lander 35-18 in the second half, thanks to a 13-for-23 shooting effort (56.5 percent) and a 24-10 rebounding advantage.

The Bearcats (3-2) led 32-30 after two free throws from Jermel Kennedy with 17:37 remaining in the game. Kennedy led Lander with 12 points and five offensive rebounds.

Winthrop went on a 32-10 run that spanned the next 11 minutes, establishing a 62-42 lead with 1:35 left to play.

The Bearcats shot 6 for 28 from the floor (21.4 percent) in the second half after a 13-for-29 shooting performance (44.8 percent) in the first.

Lander has one victory over a Division I opponent. The Bearcats defeated Charleston Southern 67-59 during the 2004-05 season.