ST. THOMAS, VI--Winthrop's run for the 2007 Paradise Jam tournament title came up a bit short as a second half scoring drought led to a 62-54 victory for the Baylor Bears.
The Eagles (3-1) led by four at halftime 28-24, but had trouble scoring in the second half due to a tough Baylor defense that limited Winthrop to 33 percent shooting in the final period (9-27) and 38.2 percent for the game (21-55). Baylor, a Big 12 Conference member, improved to 4-0 with the win.
Senior forward Taj McCullough gave a valiant effort to help put Winthrop up at intermission as he scored 10 of his team-high 16 points in the first half. He also grabbed nine rebounds and was named to the five-man All-Tournament Team.
The Eagles fell behind 38-33 with 12:48 left in the game after LaceDarius Dunn scored on a drive and followed that with a 3-pointer from deep in the left corner. Winthrop fought back three times to tie the game, the last being 46-46 on a layup by McCullough with 6:25 left to play, but Dunn connected on a short jumper to give Baylor the lead for good at 48-46 with 6:16 left.
The lead increased to as many as nine at 57-48 with 37 seconds remaining when Winthrop was forced to foul.
While McCullough was the only Eagle in double figures, the Bears placed three in double digits, led by Dunn's game-high 17. Curtis Jerrells added 13 and Kevin Rogers scored 11.
Winthrop will return to action on Sunday, Nov. 25, when it hosts Missouri State for a 2 p.m. game
