Winthrop knocks off Big South co-leader High Point 86-66

ROCK HILL, S.C. (AP) Jimmy Gavin scored 29 points and Keon Johnson 21 as Winthrop broke the game open after halftime to defeat High Point 86-66 on Thursday, ending a four-game winning streak for the Big South Conference co-leader.

Gavin scored three of his six 3-point baskets in the first four minutes of the second half as Winthrop (11-6, 3-3) turned a 37-31 lead into 52-37 and never looked back, shooting 69 percent after halftime as the Eagles ended a three-game conference losing streak.

Duby Okeke blocked six shots for Winthrop, one off the school record.

John Brown, two time Big South player of the year, led High Point (12-5, 5-1) with 25 points and 10 rebounds but his points came on 12-for-23 shooting thanks in part to Okeke.

High Point was held to 34-percent shooting (26-76) and the Panthers shot 5-for-14 from 3-point range.

Xavier Cooks scored 17 points for Winthrop.