Buzzer Beater Lifts 'Roos Past Colorado College

SHERMAN, Texas - Kam Hogan drilled a 40-foot, double-clutch desperation shot at the buzzer to cap off a 79-77 come-from-behind victory for the Austin College men's basketball team against Colorado College on Friday night in Hughey Gym. The 'Roos are now 10-8 overall and 7-4 in Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference play.

Austin College trailed by as many as 21 points and found themselves behind 49-31 at halftime, but a late rally got the 'Roos to within striking distance and after a missed free throw with under five seconds to play, Hogan raced up the court and tossed in his game-winner with two defenders on him to give Austin College the win. The 'Roos were down 69-57 with 6:52 left in the game, but a three and a dunk by Roman Strickland cut it to a seven point game, and baskets from Hogan and Devin Roland trimmed it to 69-66 with 5:15 left. Michael Holland scored to pull the 'Roos within one, and Hogan's basket with 3:28 remaining put the 'Roos ahead 70-69. 

Colorado College went back on top 74-72 with 1:26 left, and after Holland scored to tie things up, Charlie Rougnaghi hit a triple to put the Tigers ahead 77-74 with just five seconds left. Colorado College fouled Hogan on the ensuing inbounds play, and after knocking down both free throws to make it 77-76, the 'Roos put the Tigers on the free throw line with four seconds to play. Colorado College missed the front end of the one-and-one, and Strickland pulled down the board and got a pass out to Hogan, who would hit his game winner moments later.

Roland scored all 18 of his team-best 18 points in the second half, and Hogan scored nine of his 16 after halftime. Strickland added 15 points, and Holland finished with 12 points, 11 rebounds, six assists, and four steals. Justice Mercadel chipped in 10 points and seven boards in the victory.

Cooxooeii Black led Colorado College with 26 points and 15 rebounds, and Aaron Acosta scored 13 for the Tigers. Rougnaghi dished out a game-high 10 assists for Colorado College.

Austin College has now won four in a row and will be looking to keep the momentum going tomorrow as they host Johnson & Wales University in Hughey with tip-time set for 4:00 p.m.