JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — R.J. Hunter’s 3-pointer with 2.7 seconds remaining capped a comeback from a 12-point deficit and lifted 14th-seeded Georgia State to a 57-56 victory over third-seeded Baylor on Thursday.
With Panthers coach Ron Hunter working the sideline on a rolling chair less than a week after tearing his left Achilles tendon celebrating Georgia State winning the Sun Belt Conference championship, R.J. Hunter shrugged off a poor shooting performance to come through when his team needed him most.
“It was a great game, but I’m not going to coach. I’m going to be Dad right now,” said Hunter, who fell off his seat and had to be helped up after R.J. made the second of two long 3-pointers that helped the Panthers (25-9) advance. “This is my son. Proud of him. … I haven’t been able to do that for three years.”
Baylor (24-10), which got 18 points and 15 rebounds from reserve Taurean Prince, did not score after going up 56-44 on two free throws with 2:54 remaining.
Ohio State 75, VCU 72, OT•PORTLAND, ore. — D’Angelo Russell scored 28 points to rally the Buckeyes from an early 12-point deficit.
The quick and crafty left-hander, who had blood streaming down the left side of his face near the end of regulation after taking an elbow, made 10-of-20 shots, including 4-of-7 from 3-point range, and added six rebounds, two steals and two blocks to bring the Buckeyes (24-10) back in both halves and overtime.
North Carolina 67, Harvard 65•JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Justin Jackson hit a tying jumper in the final minute, and then had a fast-break dunk to help the TarHeels advance.
The Tar Heels (25-11) wasted a 16-point, second-half lead and briefly trailed before Jackson came to the rescue.
Siyani Chambers’ four-point play gave Harvard (22-8) its only lead, 65-63 with 1:15 to go.
Arkansas 56, Wofford 53•JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The Razorbacks (27-8) survived in a game that featured 18 lead changes, 10 ties and neither team ahead by more than five points.
Arizona 93, Texas Southern 72•PORTLAND, Ore. — Rondae Hollis-Jefferson led the Wildcats (32-3) with 23 points and 10 rebounds.
Xavier 76, Mississippi 57•JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Matt Stainbrook scored 20 points, Dee Davis added 17, and the Musketeers (22-13) rolled.
