WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (AP)—Kwame Morgan II scored 12 points, including two key 3-pointers, and Hampton held off Winthrop 45-44 on Tuesday night in the NIT Season Tip-Off.
The score was tied at 7 after 6:30 had elapsed, then the Pirates (1-1) went on a 12-2 run and led 23-16 at halftime.
The Eagles (1-2) pulled ahead at 29-28 on a Reggie Middleton jumper with 11:32 to go and Middleton made two more baskets to build a five-point lead.
Trailing 39-34 with 4:27 left, Morgan hit a pair of 3-pointers, then Hampton pulled ahead 42-41 with 2:30 to go on a Charles Funches jumper.
After Brandon Tunnell built a cushion with another 3, Winthrop’s Andre Jones hit a trey with 1:16 to go.
Gideon Gamble missed an Eagles 3-pointer with 7 seconds left, then Darrion Pellum blocked a Matt Morgan jumper with 1 second on the clock to seal the win.
Middleton led Winthrop with 13 points and 11 boards.
