GREENVILLE, S.C. (AP) — Stephen Croone scored 40 points and grabbed 11 rebounds — both career-highs — as Furman nearly blew a 24-point lead, holding on for an 86-83 win over Liberty.
Furman (5-6) scored 15 straight second-half points to extend its lead to 66-42 with 12:26 to play. But Liberty (5-7) later had a run of its own, scoring 10 straight points to cut it to 70-61 with 6:24 remaining.
Antwan Burrus hit a jumper with 39 seconds left to bring Liberty within two at 85-83. Furman then ran down the clock on its ensuing possession, missing a jumper with three seconds to play. Tomasz Gielo got the rebound for Liberty but turned the ball over.
Croone became the first Furman player since 1972 to score 40 in a game. Croone shot 11 of 16 from the field and was 5 of 7 from beyond the arc.
Antwan Burrus scored 19 for Liberty.
