KANNAPOLIS — Tyler Rary hit three 3-pointers in the fourth quarter, and South Rowan staged an improbable comeback to beat A.L. Brown 57-54 at Bullock gym on Wednesday.

The margin of victory for the Raiders (6-15) was an inch  or so.

When South Rowan’s Qwan Rhyne missed two free throws with 6.4 seconds left, the Wonders had a chance to force overtime. Joekeem Neal pushed the ball up the floor and found open teammate Tyree Cummings trailing him for a straight-away 3-point attempt.

It was a clean look, but the shot was just short,  glanced off the front iron, and the Raiders, who have suddenly won two games in two nights, celebrated.

Jaylon Neal was hot early for the Wonders and scored 12  in the first quarter.

The Wonders (8-11) were still in control at halftime and took a 43-32 lead to the fourth quarter.

A 3-pointer by Tireek Wilder got the Raiders’ comeback started and a drive by Wilder pulled the Raiders within 44-41.

Rary hit the 3-pointer that cut the Wonders’ lead to 46-45 and he made another one for a 48-46 South Rowan lead with five minutes left.

Rary’s final 3-ball came after Alex Stewart grabbed an offensive rebound and kicked out to an open Rary. He buried a shot from in front of the South Rowan bench with 1:05 left for a 53-48 Raiders’ lead.

Missed free throws left  the door open for the Wonders, but the Raiders, who were due a break, had some good fortune at the end.

Rary made four 3s for the game, and South Rowan made eight. Wilder hit two, while Lavon Hill and Colson Childers made one apiece. Rary and Wilder scored 16 each. Hill had 11.

Joekeem Neal and Jaylon Neal scored 14 each for the Wonders.

South Rowan salvaged a split in the season series after losing 55-39 to the Wonders early this season.

SOUTH (57)

Rary 16, Wilder 16, L. Hill 11, Rhyne 8, Childers 3, Stewart 3, D. Hill, Finger.

A.L. BROWN  (54)

Ja. Neal 14, Jo. Neal 14, Williamson 10,  Cummings 4, Cagle 4, Johnson 2, Butler 2, St. Louis 2, Sutton 2, Britt.

South            11  13    8     25   — 57   

A.L. Brown   15  17   10   12  — 54