WILSON, N.C. – The shorthanded Barton men's basketball team (8-8, 4-4) dug deep and came away with a 77-73 win over Young Harris (10-5, 5-2) in a key Conference Carolinas game Saturday afternoon at Wilson Gymnasium.
Barton senior guard
Shawn Nelson (Miami, Fla.) spearheaded the Bulldogs' attack with a monster double-double – 22 points and 16 rebounds – in addition to a team-high seven assists as the Bulldogs rallied from a 35-31 deficit at halftime to take the win.
Young Harris was led by Carl Cleveland (Commerce, Ga.) with a game-high 29 points including four treys but the Mountain Lions hit just 12-of-23 free throw attempts (52 percent) including several key ones down the stretch in the setback.
With the score tied at 63-all, Barton senior guard
Jett Fortuny (Cary, N.C.) hit the game-winning three-pointer with four minutes left and the Bulldogs stayed ahead the rest of the way. Barton junior guard
Jaylen Faber (Columbia, S.C.) added 16 points to go along with four treys as well as the home team snapped a two-game losing streak.
Barton has a quick turnaround and will travel to Tigerville, S.C., to take on league-foe North Greenville on Monday afternoon beginning at 3:00 p.m., while Young Harris hosts Francis Marion Monday evening starting at 5:30 p.m.
