RedHawks Move to 3-1 With Win Over Panthers

The SC Upstate Redhawks earned a hard-fought 116–114 road victory over the Carolina Panthers on Saturday afternoon at Pearl Moore Gymnasium, pulling out a tight contest that came down to execution in the closing moments. Carolina came out aggressive early, using their size and rebounding presence to take a 27–23 lead after the first quarter. Emmanuel Hughes (6'1''-G, college: Toccoa Falls) and Jaylen Quick (6'7''-C) set the tone offensively, attacking the paint and controlling the glass. However, the Redhawks settled in during the second quarter, tightening up defensively and finding rhythm on the offensive end to take a 52–49 lead into halftime. The game remained tightly contested throughout the second half, with neither team able to create much separation. Both squads traded baskets in the third quarter, as Joseph Battle began to assert himself for SC Upstate while Carolina continued to get balanced scoring across the lineup. Heading into the fourth quarter, the Redhawks held a narrow 83–81 advantage. The final period was a back-and-forth battle, with both teams scoring 33 points in the quarter. Every possession mattered down the stretch, as Carolina looked to complete the comeback and SC Upstate fought to maintain control. In the closing minutes, the Redhawks made just enough plays on both ends to hold off the Panthers and secure the two-point win. SC Upstate was led by a dominant performance from Joseph Battle, who poured in 38 points while shooting efficiently from the field and the free throw line. Kamin Bond (6'4''-G) added 24 points and provided a strong all-around presence, while Justin McKinney contributed 14 points and 12 rebounds, giving the Redhawks key production on the interior. Chuck McLaurin (5'11''-PG, college: CMU) chipped in 19 points, helping stretch the floor with perimeter shooting. For Carolina, Emmanuel Hughes led the way with 28 points, while Thomas Olerich (6'6''-F) added 24 and Jaylen Quick delivered an impressive 18 points and 21 rebounds in a dominant effort on the glass. Sidney Knox also contributed 18 points, rounding out a balanced scoring attack for the Panthers. Despite Carolina winning the rebounding battle and generating second-chance opportunities, SC Upstate’s efficiency proved to be the difference. The Redhawks shot nearly 47% from the field and 40% from three-point range, compared to Carolina’s 36% shooting night, allowing them to maximize their offensive possessions. In a game defined by balance, physicality, and timely shot-making, SC Upstate executed when it mattered most to escape with a 116–114 victory.
Courtesy of: ECBL