Men's Basketball Daily Update - Feb. 24

With two games to go in the regular season, the intensity for each and every game has been ratcheted up to new heights. That was in full evidence on Wednesday as the tournament picture remains just as cloudy as ever as teams make last-minute bids for the postseason.

Be sure to check the website on Thursday as we offer an in-depth look at all the tiebreaking and tournament scenarios in preparation for Saturday's regular-season finale.

Two teams making a run are Armstrong Atlantic State and Flagler.  With one spot remaining in the east, Armstrong Atlantic State eliminated UNC Pembroke from the tournament field with an 81-62 win in Savannah.  Five Pirates scored in double figures led by Patrick Shokpeka's 23 points.  Shokpeka hit 7 of 13 field goals and 9 of 10 free throws.  Keron McKenzie added 16 points.

Flagler handed Francis Marion a costly 72-66 loss as they remain in contention.  D.J. Ferguson had 18 points and eight assists while Kenny Moore had 12 points and nine rebounds for the Saints. 

FMU's loss was USC Aiken's gain as the Pacers moved into second place in the east with their 72-66 win at Lander.  Casey McMasters and Byron Faision each scored 14 for the Pacers, who have finished their PBC schedule and must now wait for FMU's Saturday game to see if they will host a first-round game. 

In the west, North Georgia moved into a tie for second place and possible first-round hosting duties with their 82-79 win over Clayton State.  Carl Taylor exploded for 26 points while Bernard Rimmer added seven points, 15 rebounds and four assists.  NGCSU had a 45-34 rebounding edge.

North Georgia was helped out by GCSU who beat Montevallo 73-65.  The Bobcats scored 50 points in the second half to come back and win.  Graham Martin and Ty Rowland each had 16 points; Martin added seven rebounds while Rowland had four rebounds and five assists.

Columbus State also remains alive for a tournament berth after beating Georgia Southwestern 68-56.  Lamar Williams had 17 points while Chris Telesford added 16 points and 11 rebounds, his league-leading 11th double-double of the year.