ETSU Advances to SoCon Final with Thriller Over Western Carolina

Buccaneers mount second-half comeback to beat No. 5 seed Western Carolina 69-67

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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The East Tennessee State University (ETSU) men's basketball team overcame a 17-point deficit to defeat Western Carolina 69-67 in the Southern Conference tournament semifinals on Sunday. Blake Barkley scored the go-ahead basket with 38 seconds remaining, and ETSU held on for the victory to advance to the SoCon championship game.

Why it matters

ETSU's dramatic comeback win over a higher-seeded opponent keeps their hopes alive for an NCAA tournament berth. The Buccaneers have been a consistent contender in the SoCon in recent years, and this victory marks another step towards potentially securing an automatic bid to the Big Dance.

The details

ETSU trailed Western Carolina by as many as 17 points in the first half, but mounted a furious second-half rally to take the lead late. Blake Barkley scored the go-ahead basket and hit the ensuing free throw to put ETSU up 68-67 with 38 seconds left. Western Carolina had two chances to tie or take the lead in the final seconds but came up empty, allowing ETSU to hold on for the victory.

  • The Southern Conference men's basketball tournament kicked off on Friday, March 6.
  • ETSU played their first game on Saturday, March 7, defeating The Citadel 83-76.
  • The Monday, March 9, SoCon final will be broadcast on ESPN at 7 p.m.

The players

Blake Barkley

ETSU forward who scored 19 points, including the go-ahead basket in the final minute, and grabbed 8 rebounds.

Brian Taylor II

ETSU guard who led the team with 22 points.

Western Carolina

The No. 5 seed in the Southern Conference tournament, who led ETSU by as many as 17 points before the Buccaneers mounted their comeback.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The Monday, March 9, SoCon final will be broadcast on ESPN at 7 p.m.

The takeaway

ETSU's dramatic comeback victory over a higher-seeded opponent keeps their hopes alive for an NCAA tournament berth, showcasing the Buccaneers' resilience and ability to battle back from a large deficit in a high-stakes conference tournament game.