Wednesday, December 19, 2007

DALLAS - Mezie Uzochukwu sank two free throws with 0.6 seconds to play in the game and Upstate used an 18-0 run to turn the tide in the second half as USC Upstate claimed a 58-56 victory over SMU Tuesday night at Moody Coliseum.

The win marks the first victory over a Division I opponent in the history of the school. Upstate is playing its first year as a member of NCAA Division I. The Spartans had played seven games against D-I schools prior to the SMU game. Upstate has several wins over schools who now play on the Division I level but who, like Upstate were members of the NAIA when the games were played.

"That was obviously a big win," said Upstate head coach Eddie Payne. "We've struggled and needed the win. It's important because our kids are excited about it. They've gotten a reward for their hard work. As we have said, this (making transition to Division I) is a tremendously difficult challenge. I am really excited for them."

Upstate improves to 2-8 on the season, while SMU falls to 4-5. The Spartans travel to El Paso, Tex., to take part in the four-team State Farm Sun Bowl Tournament Friday and Saturday. Upstate opens the tournament against host UTEP at 7:00 pm. MST on Friday.

Upstate struggled from the field early in the second half, falling behind by 14, 52-38, with 8:38 to play in the game. The tide would soon turn, though, as Jeremy Byrd's two free throws ignited an 18-0 run and Upstate outscored SMU 20-4 to end the game and take the win on Uzochukwu's free throws.

"I knew I had two shots and I just wanted to make one," said Uzochukwu. "In that situation, it eases the stress knowing you have two shots to make one. I got the first one to fall and it was like all the stress went away. Coach called a timeout and told me to miss the second one, but it went in."

Papa Dia's inbounds pass over half court was tipped by Rashawn Brailsford and time expired to give Upstate its historic win.