ABILENE – No. 10-ranked Midwestern State escaped Moody Coliseum Saturday night with a 78-77 win over the Wildcats, as Craig Green's put back at the buzzer gave the Mustangs a one point victory.
The drama that built at the end of the game was capped off after Eddie Thompson knocked down a three pointer with 2.8 seconds left giving ACU a one point lead. However, needing to move the ball the length of the court the Mustangs' pass was deflected out of bounds by Ben Warton giving MSU one last shot with two seconds left on the clock. Anthony Moore missed a 17-foot jumper, but Green tipped the ball back in the basket as time expired giving MSU an exciting win.
The Wildcats have now dropped their last five games and stand 7-13 overall and 0-5 in the Lone Star Conference as Midwestern State improves to 19-1 and 4-1 in the LSC. ACU held a four point lead going into half time, 35-31 after getting off to a quick start and leading by as many as 11 points.
With nine lead changes in the game ACU led from the 14:09 mark in the first half and weathered a push from MSU to start the second half not giving the lead up until the 12:09 mark in the second half.
Thompson was outstanding as he was 6 of 7 from behind the three point line, just two away from a school record. Thompson finished with 26 points leading all scorers after nearly shooting the Wildcats to the win.
Giordan Cole recorded another double-double for ACU as he finished with 12 points and 11 rebounds. Cole and the Wildcats were solid on defense as he added two blocks. ACU out-rebounded the Mustangs, but committed 25 turnovers that led to 26 points for MSU.
Coming off the bench were guards Dustin Heiman and Kevin White who both scored in double figures with 10 and 13 respectively. Also ACU has steadily improved from the free throw line as they shot 66.7% up two points from their season average.
Midwestern was led by Michael Godwin who finished with 20 points and five rebounds.
ACU returns to action on Tuesday night in a tough LSC game against Texas A&M-Kingsville. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.
