LAKE CITY, Fla. (March 4, 2023) - Florida Gateway College erased a 13-point deficit in the final five minutes to beat Palm Beach State College and claim the Division II Region 8 Championship.

With the 72-69 win, the Timberwolves move into next Saturday's South Atlantic District B Championship Game, which it will host, against the runner-up from Region 10. The winner of that game will punch its ticket to the NJCAA Division II National Tournament in Danville, Ill. 

Visting Palm Beach seemingly had control of the game, leading 64-51 with 5:22 remaining after a pair of free throws from Torrin Andrews, but the Panthers managed only five points the rest of the way. 

Florida Gateway's deficit was still 12 (65-53) when Maurice Campbell knocked down a three to bring the Timberwolves within single digits at the 4:29 mark. That started a 13-0 run, capped by a three-point play from Antewan Webber which put Florida Gateway in front, 66-65, with 2:03 remaining. 

The Panthers regained the lead (67-66) momentarily after a pair of free throws by Eduardo Diaz with 1:42 left but Campbell scored on the ensuing possession to put the Timberwolves back in front, 68-67. 

Palm Beach State's made only one field goal over the final 9:18, a putback from Koby Isaac, with nine seconds remaining that cut Florida Gateway's lead to two (71-69). Riley Kilgore hit one of two free throws to account for the final scoring margin and Palm Beach State's game-tying three-point attempt fell short at the buzzer. 

Campbell scored 22 and Webber, 20, to lead Florida Gateway. 

Isaac had 24 and Andrews, 17, for Palm Beach State. 

A nip-and-tuck first half ended with Palm Beach State in front, 36-34.