Middleton has 22 points, 10 rebounds as Winthrop defeats Virginia Military Institute 87-83

Winthrop defeats Virginia Military Institute 87-83

LEXINGTON, Va. — Reggie Middleton had 22 points and a career-high 10 rebounds, and Winthrop defeated Virginia Military Institute 87-83 on Saturday.

Matt Morgan had 17 points and 10 rebounds, both career highs, and Mantoris Robinson added 12 points and 10 boards for Winthrop (13-10, 9-4 Big South Conference). It was the first time in school history that three players had double-doubles in the same game.

The Eagles, who won their fifth game in a row, completed a sweep of the season series with the win.

VMI, the nation’s top-scoring team, trailed 81-63 with 3:36 to play but went on a 20-5 run to pull to within 86-83 with 2 seconds remaining. But Middleton then made 1 of 2 free throw attempts to seal the win.

Keith Gabriel scored 21 points to lead the Keydets (8-15, 3-10). Austin Kenon added 16 points and Stan Okoye had 15 points and 12 rebounds for the Keydets.