A jump-shot by Nick Smith at the buzzer lifted the Southwest Minnesota University Mustangs over Wayne State on Friday, January 24 for a 58-56 win. This marks the Mustangs’ third consecutive victory at Wayne State’s Rice Auditorium since 2011.

Throughout the entire first half, both the Mustangs and the Wildcats nearly mirrored each other’s’ scoring. There were a mere six lead changes and four tied scores throughout the half. The largest scoring gap that both teams allowed was seven points (24-17) after a 15-8 run by the Mustangs. However, the Wildcats quickly replied, taking a 33-30 lead going into the half.

During the beginning of the second half, both teams remained neck-and-neck. However, the Mustangs eventually gained momentum and began what would turn into an 18-9 scoring run, erasing a seven-point deficit. Shaun Condon kick-started the run with a layup followed by a 3-pointer in the Mustangs’ next possession. Senior Vinard Birch pulled his weight by scoring eight of the final 10 points, four of which coming from the charity stripe.

With just seconds left on the clock, Birch fought his way to the basket, then kicked the ball out to a wide-open Smith, who nailed a jumper past the free throw line just in time to give the Mustangs a win.

Although the Mustangs shot just 36.2 percent (21 of 58), they were led by four players who scored in double digits: William Giddings and Matt Zager with 11 points apiece, as well as Birch and Condon with 10 points each.

With the win, the Mustangs improve to 12-7 overall and 9-4 in the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference, while the Wildcats fall to 8-9 overall and 5-8 in the NSIC.