CHINA GROVE — Carson showed once again it is a team that loves to put it hands in the dirt and go to work.

The Cougars trailed for most of Friday’s 53-52 win against visiting South Rowan, but found a way to win for the fifth time in six games. They survived a rally by the Raiders from a 10-point deficit in the second quarter.

“It was just a crazy game,” coach Brian Perry said. “Somehow we found another way to win.”

Carson (10-10, 7-5 SPC) secured the victory when Marquez McCain sank the second of two free throws with 2.8 seconds remaining. South Rowan’s fate was sealed with a miss when Qwan Rhyne’s 40-footer banged off the backboard, clanged off the front and then the back of the rim as time expired.

“I’m frustrated,” South Rowan coach Bryan Withers said. “I don’t know what more to do. We did a lot of things right tonight, but all three of my big men fouled out in the fourth quarter. Mentally we’re breaking down.”

The score was tied 50-50 when Carson took possession with a minute to go and played for a last shot. But sophomore Brendan Westbrook found a seam and drove for a layup with 15 seconds remaining.

South Rowan (4-15, 3-10 SPC) tied it when Rhyne converted two free throws with 7.1 seconds left. That set the stage for McCain, who was fouled by Rhyne while dribbling through a crowd.

 

South Rowan (52): Rary 15, Rhyne 11, Wilder 7, L.Hill 5, D.Hill 5, Finger 5, Stewart 4, Childers.

Carson (53): McCain 13, Rucker 10, Hairston 9, Isom 6, Raper 6, Westbrook 4, Bearden 4, Hogue 1, Collins, Whicker.

South Rowan  14  13  10  15 — 52

Carson  9  13  12  19 — 53