Athletics Headlines: Men's Basketball Pulls Out a Victory Over HLG

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March 1, 2006

Men's Basketball Pulls Out a Victory Over HLG

The Spartans survived a last second scare from the Trojans of Hannibal LaGrange College on Tuesday escaping with a 59-56 victory in the first round of the American Midwest Conference Tournament. MBU entered the contest with home court advantage as the number four seed and HLG was the number five seed.

MBU led by as many as eight points in the second half, but the Trojans hung around and eventually tied the score. MBU took a three point lead with 20 seconds remaining in the game. HLG hit what appeared to be the gaming tying three pointer with just 3.2 seconds remaining. But, after an officials conference the decision was made that the shot was only a two pointer, thus, giving MBU the one point advantage (57-56). HLG quickly fouled on the ensuing play and the Spartans converted on the two free throws for the final margin of victory.

MBU was led by Frank Penn’s 14 points. Alonzo Franklin and Isaiah Johnson chipped in 13 points and 12 points respectively for MBU.

The Spartans will travel to the University of Illinois Springfield (the AMC number one seed) on Thursday night. Tip off is scheduled for 7:00 PM. The winner of Thursday’s contest will play the winner of the McKendree College/Columbia College game. The AMC Tournament victor will get an automatic bid to the NAIA National Tournament in Kansas City. The Spartans have made two consecutive trips to the tournament under head coach Tony Tompkins.