03/29/2024
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GREENWOOD, SC – White Oak native Rahu Purdie fired in 21 points Monday night, but his Lander Bearcats were edged 83-81 in overtime by UNC-Pembroke.

Purdie connected on 6 of 13 shots from the field and nailed 4 of 8 3-point shots. The 5-9 guard made 5 of 6 free throws and totaled 3 assists, 2 rebounds and a steal.

Purdie popped in an early jumper and canned 2 free throws to keep the Bearcats within 9-7. The Bearcats pulled even at 25-25, and Purdie drained consecutive 3-point shots for a 31-25 Lander lead with 5:14 left in the half.

The Bearcats led 41-40 at halftime, but the Braves went back on top 50-44 before Purdie buried another 3-pointer and sank 2 free throws to pull Lander within 50-49 five minutes into the second half.

Another Purdie 3-ball kept the Bearcats within 64-60 with 7:48 on the clock, and Lander rallied to tie the game 72-72 and send it to overtime. Purdie drove for a lay-up and a free throw that put Lander up 78-76 with 3:34 left in overtime.

Wednesday night the Bearcats bounced back with a 95-91 double-overtime victory over Armstrong State. Purdie finished with 7 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists and a steal.

Purdie bombed in a 3-point shot with 43 seconds left in regulation that sent the game to overtime. The West Bladen grad made 2 free throws early in the second overtime to edge Lander ahead 88-87.

The Bearcats are now 7-7 in Peach Belt Conference play and 10-13 overall and will host USC-Aiken Saturday at 3:30.

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