Gaffney's Chase Smith prepares to make a move on his Union defender during third quarter action Tuesday. Smith had 9 points as the Indians pulled away in the second half for a 95-73 victory. Photo by LARRY HILLIARD It was only a non-region game but Tuesday’ matchup between Union County and Gaffney was played as if an elusive state championship was on the line.

Josh Corry had 24 points and Dershawn Dawkins added 20 as the Gaffney Indians pulled away in the second half to beat the homestanding Union Yellow Jackets, 95- 73.

The hyped-up teams combined for 30 fouls (there should have been more) and three technicals, including one each on Dawkins and Gaffney coach Mark Huff, who was teed up when Corry was smacked on the elbow during a shot.

Tensions heated up even more midway through the fourth quarter when Dominique Byers was sent to the hardwood after catching an elbow to the chin thrown by Union County guard Brandon Stapleton. After a few seconds on the floor, Byers walked to the Gaffney bench and didn’t return.

“There’s a little rivalry here between Gaffney and Union,” said Huff after the game. “It got a little intense. Our concentration level wasn’t real good, but I thought our kids played hard.”

Huff credited his fullcourt press for the victory.

“It just kicked in the second half,” he said.

And not a moment too soon. Union County closed within 51-47 midway through the third quarter and had two unsuccessful chances to get within a basket.

But Chase Smith scored on a close-in shot and Corry hit a 3-pointer to push the Indians’ lead to 58-49.

Moments later, eighth-grader L.J. Peak sank a 10-foot baseline jumper at the buzzer to put the Indians up 64-54 at the end of the third quarter.

Corry and Quinshad Davis each had a couple of baskets as the Indians’ lead grew to 78-60 midway through the fourth quarter.

Gaffney took advantage of all the whistles, hitting 17 of its 21 free throws. Dawkins, in particular, was hot at the foul line, going 10 for 10.

Dawkins had a solid all-around game with eight assists and six rebounds.

Gaffney (13-1, 1-0) will travel to Nation Ford for a key region game on Friday.

Gaffney Scoring ... Corry 24, C. Smith 9, Dawkins 20, Byers 2, Wray 6, Davis 12, W. Smith 2, M. Wright 6, Peak 8, Miller 4, C. Wright 2.