HOUSTON, Texas – D'Aundre Samuels hit a floater with 1.7 seconds remaining, which vaulted the HCU Huskies to a 61-60 win over the New Orleans Privateers on Saturday at Sharp Gym.
Out of a timeout, Samuels got a screen that helped free him up for the bucket that gave him 15 points on the night.
The Privateers had grabbed the lead moments before when
Churchill Abass converted one of two free throws with 13 seconds left to give the Privateers a one-point lead after they trailed most of the second half, but the last second heroics by Samuels locked up a season sweep for the Huskies.
New Orleans trailed by as many as 10 points in the second half with 5:30 remaining, but
Jakevion Buckley helped spark an 8-0 run with four points and an assist on a
TJ Cope dunk.
Coleton Benson hit a corner three with 2:27 left to pull the Privateers within one and he made one of two free throws on a later trip that tied the game at 59-59, setting up the final sequence.
The Privateers went just 9-of-16 from the free throw line, which was part of the difference in a tight game throughout that featured five ties and five lead changes.
Demarco Bethea and Ryan Bartley each had 13 points for the Huskies and combined to go 10-of-19 from the field. Demari Williams finished with a team-high seven rebounds for the Huskies.
INSIDE THE BOX
The Privateers had a 44-30 advantage in points in the paint and won the battle on the boards 36-30. Abass had 18 points and nine rebounds on the night.
MJ Thomas finished with 12 points and eight boards.
TJ Cope added 10 points.
NEXT UP
The Privateers will travel to UIW on Monday.
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