Buzzer-Beater Sinks Patriots
January 17, 2008

Senior Morey Skluzacek (Alexandria, La.) of Louisiana College drained a 3-pointer as time expired to lift his Wildcats past the University of Texas at Tyler men’s basketball team, 63-60, on Thursday night at the Herrington Patriot Center.

The first half went back and forth with three ties and two lead changes, but the Patriots would end the stanza with a one-point lead. In the second half the Wildcats would take control and lead for most of the period. Then, with just :15 seconds left in the game, UT Tyler junior Larry Ware (Longview, Texas) hit a layup to tie the game and set up what looked to be an inevitable overtime period. After a timeout, the Wildcats had just :08 seconds to get off a shot. For seven seconds the Patriots played textbook defense, forcing Louisiana College to the perimeter and giving them no inside looks. However, as time expired Skulzacek made his play from behind the arch and drained the game-winning goal.

Senior Patrick Branche (Houston, Texas) led UT Tyler with 16 points and a game-high 10 rebounds, for his third double-double of the season. Fellow senior Mirada Reed (Cleveland, Texas) led the Patriots’ bench with 13 points. Junior Josh Johnson (Ruston, La.) led the Wildcats in both scoring and rebounding with 20 and 7, respectively.

UT Tyler now stands at 6-8 on the year and 5-4 in the East Division of the American Southwest Conference. With the win, Louisiana College improves to 5-8 overall and 4-5 in league play.

The Patriots will close out a four-game home stand on Saturday when they host Mississippi College at the Herrington Patriot Center. Tip-off is set for 3 p.m.

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