Jimmies fall at the buzzer to Mount Marty

YANKTON, S.D.-- Kane Stearns knocked down a three-pointer at the buzzer, capping off an improbable second-half comeback as the Mount Marty Lancers defeated the University of Jamestown 80-77 Saturday afternoon.

With 3:51 left in the game and leading 68-59, Jamestown reeled off seven straight points to go ahead by 16 just 51 seconds later.

Mount Marty would score on their next six possessions to get within 75-72 with 27 seconds left.

A Cole Woodford (FR/Redwood Falls, MN) basket made it 77-72 Jimmies, but the Lancers promptly went down the court and got a triple from Jailen Billings to make it a two-point game. Mount Marty stole the inbounds pass and converted a layup to tie the game at 77.

Marc Kjos (SO/Lake City, MN) was fouled with five seconds left and made both free throws, giving UJ a 79-77 lead.

Mount Marty took the ball and went down the length of the floor for a chance to tie or win. Elijah Pappas found Stearns, who released his shot as time expired, and the ball went through the net for the win.

The Jimmies led throughout the first half, taking a 39-31 lead into the break behind 10 points from Allante' Pickens (SR/Chicago, IL).

Mount Marty got within a basket early in the second half, only to have the Jimmies use a 13-2 run to go ahead 52-39 with 12:49 remaining. UJ's biggest lead of the game came after a Mason Walters (SO/Jamestown, ND) free throw made it 75-59.

Walters finished with 21 points and 10 rebounds for Jamestown. Woodford and Kjos added 16 points each while Pickens was also in double figures with 10.

Billings led the Lancers with 20 points. Pappas ended with 16 points, 10 rebounds, and eight assists.

Jamestown (7-3, 3-2 GPAC) returns to action Tuesday night when they host Dordt (Iowa) at 8 p.m.