Wingate, N.C. - Wingate University sophomore guard Sean Barnette (Rock Hill, S.C.) had 27 points to lead the host Bulldogs to a 73-64 South Atlantic Conference win over Presbyterian College Wednesday night in Cuddy Arena on the Wingate campus.

With the triumph, Wingate improves to 7-6 overall and 1-1 in the SAC. Presbyterian is 11-5 overall and 1-1 in the SAC. The Bulldogs host Newberry Saturday at 8 p.m., while the Blue Hose return home to entertain Carson-Newman Saturday afternoon at 4 p.m.

Barnette gave the Bulldogs their first lead since the 15-minute mark of the first half when he nailed a three-point field goal with 4:30 remaining in the contest to put Wingate up 62-61. The Bulldogs never trailed again. Barnette converted four-of-six three-point field goal tries on the evening.

The Bulldogs finished the contest on a 14-3 run. Barnette and junior guard Justin Baker (Lumberton, N.C.) both hit three-pointers during the crucial late-game flurry. Baker had 14 points off the Wingate bench, while redshirt sophomore Bryan Grier (Charlotte, N.C.) had a solid 11 points, nine rebounds and six blocks.

Blue Hose senior center Johann Collins (Raleigh, N.C.) topped the Presbyterian charts with 23 points. PC senior guard Tray Ballenger (Wellford, S.C.) added 11 markers, while Blue Hose junior forward Grant Herren (Oviedo, Fla.) notched a double-double with 10 points and a game-best 11 rebounds.

Presbyterian led 37-35 at the halftime. Both the Blue Hose (53.6 percent) and the Bulldogs (51.7 percent) shot well in the opening frame. Presbyterian managed only 25 percent (nine-of-36) in the second half, while Wingate continued about 50 with a 52.4 percent performance (11-of-21).