Buzzer Beater Stuns Eagles

Timquorian Johnson drives around an Austin College defender on Saturday.

GAME DETAILS
Austin College 73, University of the Ozarks 70
Records: University of the Ozarks (4-2), Austin College (3-3)
Saturday, Nov. 25, 2023
Clarksville, Ark.

THE BASICS
Clarksville, Ark. – Just when it appeared the game was headed into overtime, Austin College's Ethan Pearce drilled a three-pointer at the buzzer to give the Kangaroos a come-from-behind 73-70 win on Saturday. The Eagles let a 45-32 second half lead slip away as the Kangaroos roared back to make it a game. Austin College trailed 52-41 with 12:49 remaining in the game, but didn't flinch as the visitors went on a 12-0 run to eventually move ahead 53-52 at the 9:26 mark. After that, the game went back-and-forth with several lead changes. Tim Eldridge made back-to-back driving layups to give the Eagles a 67-63 lead with 3:23 left. But Austin College wouldn't go away as Pearce hit a clutch shot with 1:12 left to put the Kangaroos ahead 68-67. Austin College then made a layup for a three point lead with only 36 seconds left. The Eagles got an offensive rebound and called a timeout with 11 seconds remaining. Eldridge was fouled with 3.5 seconds left on a three-point attempt, and he calmly sank all three free throws to even the game, 70-70, as it appeared the contest was headed to overtime. However, Pearce took a pass from across the court and nailed it as time expired. Eldridge led the Eagles with 21 points.   

TOP EAGLES
Scoring – (21) Tim Eldridge
Rebounding – (11) Jordan Jenkins
Assists – (4) Justice Marmara

TURNING POINT
Austin College trailed 52-41 with 12:49 remaining in the game, but didn't flinch as the visitors went on a 12-0 run to eventually move ahead 53-52 at the 9:26 mark.

TIP-INS
Tim Eldridge hit 8-of-12 from the field and 3-of-3 from the free throw line to score 21 points. His three free throws all came on the Eagles last possession after he was fouled on a three-point attempt.

UP NEXT
The Eagles will now play five straight road games beginning with Sul Ross State November 30.