Johnson, Gavin give Winthrop 79-78 win over SC-Upstate

SPARTANBURG, S.C. (AP) Keon Johnson scored a career-high 32 points and Jimmy Gavin added 22, including the clinching free throws with four seconds left, and Winthrop beat South Carolina-Upstate 79-78 on Tuesday.

The pair combined to make 23 of 27 free throws as the Eagles (4-0) went 25 of 31 from the line for their best start in 10 years.

Josh Cuthberton hit a 3 at the buzzer to finish with 20 points and seven assists for the Spartans (0-5). Deion Holmes also had 20 and Marvin Smith 14.

Smith scored the first seven points in a late 9-0 run that helped the Spartans take a 33-29 lead at the half.

The teams traded runs in the second half. Johnson scored seven straight for the Eagles but after a Smith 3-pointer with four seconds left, the Spartans were within 77-75 before Gavin was fouled.