FLORENCE, S.C. – The Barton men's basketball team (13-12, 11-10) erased a 24-point first-half deficit to stun Francis Marion (11-12, 9-12), 76-70, Wednesday night in a Conference Carolinas game at Smith University Center.
Barton redshirt freshman guard
Marcus Boykin (Clinton, N.C.) led all scorers with 25 points while sophomore guard
Donaven Hairston (Atlanta, Ga.) added 17 points and hit all 10 free throw attempts as the Bulldogs overcame a 29-5 deficit to start the game.
Four players scored in double figures for the Patriots, led by Jose Benitez (Santo Domingo, D.R.) with 16 points, but Francis Marion couldn't hold the early large lead.
Barton righted itself by scoring 15 straight points after the early 24-point deficit then roared to the victory by ending the game on a 15-1 run over the final four-plus minutes.
Sophomore guard
Malik Bryant (Fort Mill, S.C.) came off the bench to score 13 points for the Bulldogs, who again won at the charity stripe. Barton connected on 25-of-32 from the free throw line in addition to shooting 52 percent (24-of-46) from the floor.
Barton remains away from home on Saturday when the Bulldogs travel to Bristol, Tenn., to take on King in league action Saturday at 4:00 p.m., while Francis Marion hosts Emmanuel (Ga.) Saturday afternoon at 4:00 p.m.
