Hale scores 28 to lift Winthrop over Gardner-Webb 78-66

RADFORD, Va. (AP) — Hunter Hale scored 28 points and second-seeded Winthrop advanced to the championship game of the Big South Conference tournament by defeating third-seeded Gardner-Webb 78-66 in the semifinals on Friday night.

Hale had seven rebounds and hit 12 of 13 from the free throw line, as the Eagles were 16 of 25 in the second half, making 9 of 10 in the last two minutes.

Chandler Vaudrin scored 14 points and dished six assists for Winthrop (23-10) and Josh Ferguson added 13 points and seven rebounds.

Winthrop faces the winner of the semifinal between fifth-seeded Hampton and league-champion Radford.

Jaheam Cornwall tied a career high with 24 points for the Runnin’ Bulldogs (16-16). Eric Jamison Jr. added 14 points. Christian Turner had 12 points.