Charlotte outlasts South Carolina 65-63

CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP) — Mike Thorne hit two foul shots with 1:10 left to put Charlotte ahead for good as the 49ers rallied past rallied past South Carolina 65-63 Friday night to reach the Charleston Classic championship game.

Braxton Ogbueze had 12 of his 14 points in the second half for the 49ers, who’ll face Miami for the tournament title Sunday night.

Sindarius Thornwell had an open look for a 3-pointer with 2.5 seconds left, but it clanged off the rim for South Carolina (2-2). Thornwelll led the Gamecocks with 20 points, only two in the second half.

It was the eighth straight regular-season tournament win for the 49ers (3-0), who needed double overtime to outlast Penn State 106-97 here Thursday night. This time, Charlotte trailed by as many as 14 points in the opening half. But the 49ers used a fast start in the second half to push past the Gamecocks.