But Bates countered the Saints again, scoring in the paint and extending the Rams’ lead to 49-44 with 1:37 left. Both teams exchanged trips to the free throw line, with both only converting one, and with the score standing at 50-45 Selma’s Quinterrius Rogers hit a jumper in the lane to make it 50-47 with 0:37 left to play.

The Saints were forced to foul and send the Rams to line with time running down.

Francis Marion missed the free throw on the one-and-one, but Selma could not get the rebound and was forced to foul again.

Bates hit one of two free throws, but Selma didn’t score on its next possession, having to foul Bates again, who this time hit both shots and put the game out of reach.

Gunn led the Saints with 21 points, while Henry Blevins added 12 rebounds for Selma. Bates led the Rams with 22 points, while Willie Bennett added 9 points for Francis Marion.

The Saints will take the floor again on Tuesday when they face the Sidney Lanier Poets at Wallace Community College-Selma with games starting at 4:30 p.m.