Harper leads Charleston Southern past VMI 71-67

CONWAY, S.C. (AP) — Arlon Harper scored a career-high 33 points to pace Charleston Southern over Virginia Military Institute 71-65 in the Big South Conference semifinals Saturday.

Harper, who also had a career-best nine rebounds for the Buccaneers (19-11), secured the victory with four free throws in the final 22 seconds.

Rodney Glasgow, who scored a career-best 31 for the Keydets (14-17), converted a three-point play with 25 seconds left to bring VMI within 67-65.

Harper scored seven points during a 14-2 run to start the second half that gave Charleston Southern a 39-32 lead, which reached 57-47 with 8:55 left.

Saah Nimley added 14 points and 12 rebounds for Charleston Southern, the South Division’s top seed, which is seeking its first NCAA tournament berth since 1997.

D.J. Covington scored 16 points and Stan Okoye had 12 points and 14 rebounds for the Keydets, who made just 5 of 28 3-point tries (17.9 percent).