Hokie ClubFORT MYERS, Fla. — Virginia Tech's Ben Burnham surpassed 1,000 career points but South Carolina prevailed 70-60 in Wednesday's third-place game of the Beach Division at the Fort Myers Tip-Off.
Collin Murray-Boyles had 16 points and eight rebounds to lead South Carolina (4-3). Zachary Davis and Morris Ugusuk added 12 points each for the Gamecocks. USC knocked down 11 of its 32 attempts from long range (34.4%).
Jaydon Young scored 12 points and Jaden Schutt 11 for the Hokies (3-4). Tobi Lawal and Brandon Rechsteiner each added 10 points.
Six of Virginia Tech's first 11 baskets in the second half were 3-pointers as the Hokies cut into an eight-point halftime deficit. South Carolina led 57-53 with 5 1/2 minutes to go before holding Tech scoreless for the next 4 1/2 minutes.
South Carolina led 62-53 with a minute to go and a three-point play by Murray-Boyles wrapped it up with 49 seconds remaining. The Gamecocks led 65-55 at that point and made 5 of 6 free throws to finish the game.
South Carolina led 10-9 about six minutes into the game before the Gamecocks scored 10 of the next 11 points for a 20-10 lead. A few minutes later Burnham hit a 3-pointer to get the Hokies within five but the Gamecocks hit three of their last four shots to lead 33-25 at halftime.
After two games in Florida, Tech returns to Cassell Coliseum for Wednesday's SEC/ACC Challenge matchup with Vanderbilt. Tipoff is slated for 9:15 p.m. on ACC Network. Fans interested in attending the nonconference clash, may purchase tickets HERE.
2024 Fort Myers Tip-Off All-Tournament Team
Danny Wolf, Michigan (MVP)
Roddy Gayle Jr., Michigan
Zach Freemantle, Xavier
Collin Murray-Boyles, South Carolina
Tobi Lawal, Virginia Tech