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Men fall on buzzer-beater in Billings, 69-68

Men's Basketball UAA Media Relations

Men fall on buzzer-beater in Billings, 69-68

BILLINGS, Mont. – Alaska Anchorage's Suki Wiggs scored a game-high 25 points, but Montana State Billings guard Marc Matthews swished a three-pointer with two seconds left Thursday to give his team a 69-68 men's basketball victory at Alterowitz Gymnasium.

The Seawolves (11-5, 5-3 GNAC) also got 15 points and 12 rebounds from senior forward Corey Hammell, plus 12 points from senior guard Spencer Svejcar in the loss.

The Yellowjackets (10-5, 5-2) were led by 22 points, six rebounds and six assists from guard Preston Beverly, while Matthews finished with 10 points.

After being tied 34-34 at halftime, the Seawolves used a 10-0 run to take a 50-41 lead with 13:40 remaining. The hosts would rally back for a 57-56 edge when Jace Anderson nailed a trey at the 5:32 mark, and the lead would switch hands on the next five possessions.

Following a Wiggs dunk that made it 65-61, Anderson hit another three-pointer with 1:25 left. Wiggs missed a short jumper on UAA's next trip, but the Yellowjackets could not make a pair of shots, and Svejcar was fouled with 28 seconds remaining.

After Svejcar made his free throws, MSUB had a chance to tie on a traditional three-point play from Beverly, but he missed his free throw after a timeout. Svejcar was fouled again with 14 seconds left and made the first before missing the second. Anderson then found Matthews open on the wing for the game-winner. Wiggs got the inbounds pass but could not connect on a desperation half-court heave at the buzzer.

Diante Mitchell added 10 points – all in the first half – on 5-of-7 shooting and three assists, although the senior point guard was limited to 25 minutes because of foul trouble.

UAA – which completed a stretch of four games in eight days spanning three states and Canada – returns home to the Alaska Airlines Center next week for games against defending Great Northwest Athletic Conference champion Western Oregon (Thur., Jan. 19, 7 p.m.) and Concordia, Ore. (Sat., Jan. 21, 7 p.m.). Surf to GoSeawolves.com for ticket information or call 907-786-1562 to order.




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Players Mentioned

Corey Hammell

#25 Corey Hammell

F
6' 6"
Junior
Diante Mitchell

#11 Diante Mitchell

G
6' 1"
Junior
Spencer Svejcar

#20 Spencer Svejcar

G
6' 4"
Junior
Sekou

#2 Sekou 'Suki' Wiggs

G
6' 4"
Junior

Players Mentioned

Corey Hammell

#25 Corey Hammell

6' 6"
Junior
F
Diante Mitchell

#11 Diante Mitchell

6' 1"
Junior
G
Spencer Svejcar

#20 Spencer Svejcar

6' 4"
Junior
G
Sekou

#2 Sekou 'Suki' Wiggs

6' 4"
Junior
G