Coastal Carolina wins Big South, ends 21-year NCAA drought

Coastal Carolina coach Cliff Ellis was in the thick of a mid-court dance party Sunday as his Chanticleers earned their first NCAA trip in 21 years with a 76-61 victory over Winthrop to win the Big South Conference tournament.

Ellis, who had previously led South Alabama, Clemson and Auburn into the NCAAs, hugged his wife near the end of the game, then joined his players for some celebrating.

Coastal Carolina got 22 points from Warren Gillis and 19 from Josh Cameron to reach the NCAA tournament for the third time overall and first since 1993.