GREENSBORO, N.C. - Fifth seeded Shenandoah University took a big lead into the halftime lockerroom and then withstood a furious second half comeback to advance past No. 4 Greensboro College 67-57 in the USA South Conference Tournament quarterfinals Thursday night.

Shenandoah (15-11) avenged a regular season sweep by the host Pride (10-15) by taking a 33-20 lead into the break and then holding on as GC started the second half with a 13-2 run.

Although Greensboro had two chances to tie or take the lead, the Hornets managed to get a couple of clutch field goals and maintain the advantage.

After Bryant Camp brought the Pride to within two at 39-37 with 11:18 left, SU scored 14 of the game's next 18 points to take a 53-41 lead at the 6:59 mark. The Hornets lead never got below eight points the rest of the way.

Shenandoah now gets top seeded Methodist in the first of Friday's semi-final round games. Third seeded Averett takes on No. 7 NC Wesleyan, an upset winner over No. 2 CNU, in the other contest.

SU advanced to its fifth straight semi-final the five-year tenure of coach Rob Harris by holding the host Pride to a 21 for 54 performance (38.9 percent) from the field and forcing 19 turnovers. GC missed their first 15 shots from the field and did not score its initial bucket until the 10:57 mark of the first.

The Hornets had three players in double figures, led by senior Kenny Purnell's 15 points. Sophomore Onyie Onunaku added 13 points and senior Chris Rhone 12. Purnell also had a career high 11 rebounds.

All eight players who appeared for Shenandoah scored at least eight points, including a big nine points from junior Jared Hale. He hit three three-pointers in the second half.

Rodney Blackstock had 21 points and James Newman 12 for GC.

Box Score/Play by Play