S.C.-Upstate 53, North Florida 52

1/25/2008 9:19 PM

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) -Jeremy Byrd completed a three-point play with 17 seconds remaining to help SC-Upstate beat North Florida 53-52 on Friday night.

North Florida's James Grimball converted one of two free throws with 25 seconds left to give the Ospreys a 52-50 lead. Byrd then drove the length of the floor for a layup, was fouled by Grimball and added the free throw.

North Florida (1-17, 0-6 Atlantic Sun) had an opportunity to win but a last second shot by Tom Hammonds was off the mark.

The loss extended North Florida's losing streak to 15 consecutive games.

North Florida led 29-23 at halftime. The Ospreys held a five-point lead at 48-43 with just over four minutes left in the game but SC-Upstate (4-16, 2-4) finished the game on a 10-4 run.

Luke Payne led the Spartans with 18 points. Byrd added 11 points, eight rebounds and five assists.

Hammonds led North Florida with 15 points, and Grimball had 11 points and 14 rebounds.