Stempin Steps Up for Fayetteville

The loss was the Lowgators' second in a row at home after winning their first six games at North Charleston Coliseum. The league-leading Lowgators dropped to 12-4 overall and Fayetteville improved to 4-11.

North Charleston had a 23-21 lead at the end of the first quarter, but Fayetteville stepped up on defense to take a 47-37 halftime lead.

"I think the guys on both sides made the effort," said Fayetteville coach Tiny Archibald. "We got some open shots and we got some easy shots.

"I'm not satisfied" (overall)," Archibald continued. "I was pleased with our defense because our defense was better. Offensively, we still need some ironing out."

Rebounding and free throws made the difference in the game as Fayetteville outrebounded North Charleston 57-40. The Patriots shot 73.9 percent while the Lowgators shot 53.3 percent from the foul line.

"They beat us 57-40 on the boards and that's ridiculous," North Charleston coach Alex English said. "We made a run to get back in the game, but then we didn't hit free throws down the stretch.

"It's gut-check time for us right now," English continued. "We have lost two of three games and two straight at home. We have to be able to hold our home court. If teams start to believe they can come in here and win then we are in trouble."

Fayetteville's Terrell McIntyre scored 19 points and dished out a team-high six assists, followed by former College of Charleston standout, Danny Johnson who scored 11 points to round out double figure scorers. Newly acquired Antwain Smith came off the bench to score eight points and grabbed 10 rebounds.

Sedric Webber had 17 points and grabbed a team-high nine rebounds to lead North Charleston. B.J. McKie followed with 16 points and nine assists, and Galen Young chipped in 15 points. Neil "Swat" Edwards tied the NBDL season-high for block shots with eight, originally set by Fayetteville's Jeff Aubry on Nov. 23.