No. 18 Va. Tech stages epic comeback over Arkansas

CHARLOTTE — Jerod Evans threw for 243 yards and two touchdowns and ran for two scores and No. 18 Virginia Tech pulled off the largest comeback in its 124-year history, erasing a 24-point halftime deficit to beat Arkansas 35-24 on Thursday night in the Belk Bowl.

After being limited to 180 yards in the first half, Hokies (10-4) took advantage of three of Austin Allen’s interceptions and scored touchdowns on five of their first seven possessions of the second half.

Arkansas extended the lead to 24-0 at halftime and it looked as if it might cruise to an easy victory.

But Evans had other ideas. He completed 12 of 16 passes for 129 yards and two TDs in the second half, helping Justin Fuente became the first coach in school history to win 10 games in his first season.

Utah 26

Indiana 24

SANTA CLARA, Calif. — Whenever it seems Joe Williams won’t be available to Utah, he comes back and delivers.

Williams returned from a four-week retirement early in the season to help solidify a broken-down running back position. Then in the bowl game, he overcame an illness that forced him to miss a team meeting the night before and capped his career in style.

Williams ran for 222 yards and a touchdown, Andy Phillips kicked a 27-yard field goal with 1:24 to play and Utah beat Indiana 26-24 on Wednesday night in the Foster Farms Bowl for its 14th victory in its past 15 bowl games.

Kansas State 33

Texas A&M 28

HOUSTON — Kansas State was unbeatable against teams from Texas in the regular season, and that didn’t change on Wednesday night in the Texas Bowl.

Jesse Ertz threw for 195 yards and a touchdown and ran for two more scores in Kansas State’s 33-28 victory over Texas A&M. He had 67 yards rushing to give him 1,012 this season.

The victory improved the Wildcats to 5-0 against teams from the Lone Star State this season after they downed Texas Tech, Texas, Baylor and TCU earlier this year.

(13) Butler 81

Vermont 69

INDIANAPOLIS — Andrew Chrabascz scored a season-high 28 points and Butler shot 69.6 percent from the field in the second half.

The Bulldogs (11-1) have won three straight and extended their home winning streak against non-conference foes to 36.

Kelan Martin had 21 points and eight rebounds for Butler.

(1) Connecticut 87

(4) Maryland 81

COLLEGE PARK, Md. — Katie Lou Samuelson scored 17 of her 23 points in the second half, and top-ranked Connecticut held off No. 4 Maryland 87-81 on Thursday night for its 87th consecutive victory.

Kia Nurse contributed 19 points and Gabby Williams fought through foul trouble to add 16 for the Huskies (12-0), who tied an NCAA women’s record with their 30th consecutive road win.

Nurse started and ended the spree with 3-pointers, and Samuelson chipped in with a four-point play.

Hornets 91

Heat 82

CHARLOTTE — Nicolas Batum had 16 points, 13 rebounds and eight assists, providing a spark during a big third quarter that carried the Charlotte Hornets to a 91-82 victory over the Miami Heat on Thursday night.

The Hornets outscored the Heat 31-17 in the quarter to take command, with Batum contributing nine points, five rebounds and four assists in the period.

Kemba Walker led Charlotte with 22 points. The Hornets improved to 19-14, and have won five of their last six games.

VARSITY BOYS BASKETBALL

Thomas Sumter 56

Whitmire 41

PELION—- Zach Fugate led three Thomas Sumter Academy players in double figures with 15 points as the Generals defeated Whitmire 56-41 on Thursday at the Panther Holiday Classic held at Pelion High School.

Eli Kessinger added 14 points for TSA followed by Astin Coleman with 13.

VARSITY GIRLS BASKETBALL

Blythewood 41

Lakewood 40

The Lady Gators were edged by Blythewood 41-40 on Wednesday at the District 9 Officials Tournament.

Rahteshia Burgess scored 16 points to lead Lakewood followed by Ki’Ari Cain with 13.

From staff, wire reports