Johnson hits game-winner; Samford edges ETSU 71-68

Feb 7, 2015, 06:34 pm

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. -- Marcus Johnson hit a game-winning 3-pointer with 3.1 seconds left to give Samford a 71-68 victory over East Tennessee State on Saturday.

Christen Cunningham took a high screen and drove toward the basket, which drew a double team, and found Johnson open on the wing.

Samford (12-14, 5-8 Southern) had five players in double figures, led by Darius Jones-Gibson with 13 points. Johnson finished with 12.

Tyler Hood made a corner 3-pointer to cut Samford's deficit to 66-64 and after an A.J. Merriweather basket, Johnson hit a 3 to make it 68-67. Later, Jones-Gibson made 1 of 2 free throws to tie the game at 68 with 39 seconds left. After an ETSU turnover, Johnson's game-winner capped a 7-0 run to close the game. Jalen Riley missed a 3-pointer at the buzzer.

Riley led ETSU (13-10, 6-7) with 20 points and Rashawn Rembert added 16.