WINGATE, N.C. --- Wingate University senior guard Justin Baker had a team-high 17 points as the Bulldogs defeated Tusculum College 65-58 on Saturday afternoon in Cuddy Arena. Wingate improves to 16-6 overall, 8-3 in the SAC. Tusculum falls to 10-13, 3-9 SAC.

The first half was close the entire way and Wingate sophomore Kenny Villines hit a shot as the halftime horn sounded to give the Bulldogs a three-point halftime lead at 32-29.

The second half was back-and-forth as the score was tied six times and the lead changed 13 times throughout the game. Tusculum held a four-point lead with 8:00 remaining in regulation when Larry Minnefee, who had a game-high 19 points, hit two free throws to give the Pioneers a 51-47 advantage. Wingate then scored nine straight points to take the lead for good.

Wingate junior guard/forward Sean Barnette (Rock Hill, S.C.) contributed 14 points and six rebounds to the victory. For Tusculum, Chris Poore and Lavanti Jeter also finished in double figures, scoring 14 and 11 points, respectively. Poore also contributed 12 rebounds.

For the game, Wingate shot 42.6% from the floor and 73.7% from the free throw line. Tusculum finished shooting 44.6% from the floor and 62.5% from the charity stripe. The Pioneers outscored the Bulldogs in the paint 36-18.

Tusculum hosts Carson-Newman College on Monday for an 8 p.m. South Atlantic Conference contest.