With 5.4 seconds left in regulation the Spartan Men's basketball team got the ball into the hands of Nic Pearson who converted a baseline drive to tie the game at 79-79. Unfortunately for M State there were 2.4 seconds left on the clock, just enough for DJ Brown to launch a mid-court shot that went in at the buzzer, lifting the Ridgewater Warriors to an 82-79 victory.
Pearson finished with a game high 31 points to go along with 8 rebounds and 4 assists. Larrie Bell had a double-double (15 points, 12 rebounds) and Renell Edwards added 14 points and 4 assists. Langston Davis contributed 8 points and 7 rebounds.
M State shot 42% (31-74) from the field and made 32.4% (12-37) of their 3-pointers.
Ridgewater made 42% (33-78) of their shots, but only hit 5-of-23 (22%) 3's. They also had a 49-43 edge on the boards.
The Warriors were led by 26 points and 15 rebounds from Jaylyn Clardy. DJ Brown added 18 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists and 3 steals. Deron Lacy chipped in with 15 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists.
M State ends the season with a record of 9-17. They were 3-11 against MCAC Southern Division teams.