ODESSA, Texas – Qua Grant converted a pair of free throws with 11 seconds remaining in the game to cap off an incredible comeback as No. 13 West Texas A&M overcame a 10-point second half deficit to defeat UT Permian Basin 83-82 on Thursday evening. The freshman's free throws capped off a 9-0 run over the final 1:09 of regulation as the Buffs defeated UTPB on the road for the first time since November 19, 2011 while improving to 14-2 overall and 3-0 in Lone Star Conference play.
THE BASICS
The Matchup: #13 West Texas A&M 83, UT Permian Basin 82
Records: #13 West Texas A&M (14-2, 3-0 LSC), UT Permian Basin (8-4, 1-1 LSC)
Venue: Falcon Dome
Location: Odessa, Texas
West Texas A&M lead 38-37 at halftime thanks in large part to 11 offensive rebounds after shooting 13-of-41 (31.7%) from the floor and 6-of-23 (26.1%) from three-point range. The Buffs lead by as many seven points at 13:07 following a 7-0 run capped off by Gach Gach's second three of the game. UTPB would respond with a run of their own to take the lead that was succeeded by another 7-0 run from WT highlighted by a dunk from Drew Evans to make it 20-15 at 8:30.
With the game tied at 20-20, the Buffs retook the lead thanks to back-to-back threes from Gach and Joel Murray. Much like they did all game, UTPB responded with a 7-0 run of their own to take a 27-26 lead. WT trailed 34-32 with just under two minutes remaining before the halftime whistle before Eric Mosley and Jordan Collins connected from beyond the arc.
Mosley's layup with a little more than 16 minutes remaining in regulation would give WT their final lead until the dying seconds of the game at 45-44. The Falcons would go on a 10-3 run over the next four minutes to stretch the lead to six, 54-48, on a free throw from Jacob Ledoux. The teams would continue to trade buckets over the next four minutes as Collins kept the Buffs close with a pair of three-pointers in a span of a minute with 7:22 remaining.
Collins fourth and final three-pointer of the game would cut the deficit to three, 69-66, at 5:34 but UTPB would score 10 of the next 11 points to make it 77-67 with 3:30 left in the game. The deficit was nine with 1:09 remaining Xavier Ledet made his free throw attempt after being fouled on a made shot.
Grant got the rally started with a pair of free throws followed a UTPB turnover that resulted in two more free throws from Collins to cut the deficit to 82-78 with 34 seconds left. The Falcons would miss four straight free throws before Grant converted an old-fashioned 3-point play on a driving layup after going coast-to-coast after grabbing a defensive rebound. The freshman wasn't done making plays as he picked Kyree Elder's pocket before getting fouled for a chance to give WT the lead with 11 second left. The Waxahachie, Texas native showed his composure making both of the attempts to give the visitors their first lead in more than 16 minutes. UTPB would get two more chances but were unable to convert as WT improved to 10-2 all-time against UTPB.
WT finished the contest 27-of-72 (37.5%) from the floor, 10-of-35 (28.6%) from beyond the arc and 19-of-29 (65.5%) from the free throw line to go along with 41 rebounds (20 of those on the offensive glass), 14 assists, 11 turnovers, eight steals and four blocks. Ryan Quaid registered his fifth double-double of the season and 28th of his career with 18 points and 10 rebounds while also blocking a season-high two shots. Grant had 15 points, none bigger than the two freebies to take the lead, with Collins contributing a season-high 14 points going 4-of-9 from beyond the arc off the bench. Mosley was also huge off the bench with five points and a career-high eight rebounds with Brandon Hall reaching double figures in scoring for the fourth straight game with 11 points and five assists.
UP NEXT
West Texas A&M will now make the trip to the Land of Enchantment to take on Western New Mexico on Saturday, Jan. 5, at 5:00 p.m. Live stats and video will be available.
