SPEARFISH, S.D. – The Black Hills State University men’s basketball team fell in a heartbreaker on Saturday night in the finale of the East/West Challenge, dropping a 72-71 game to Augustana in the final seconds of the contest.
Another instant classic to cap an already thrilling weekend of basketball between the RMAC and NSIC in A2 Arena saw the Yellow Jackets and Vikings trade the lead 12 times while also being tied six times in the final 14 minutes of the match-up as neither team gained an advantage of more than 3-points.
With the game coming down to the wire it was Akoi Akoi who hit the dagger 3-pointer for Augie to give them the one point lead with 4.2 seconds remaining, however there was just enough time for BHSU to have one final chance.
Caelin Hearne got the look he wanted on a one dribble pull up, but the shot eventually rolled out after going halfway down, allowing Augustana to survive in the battle of in-state foes.
BLACK HILLS STATE STATISTICAL LEADERS
Cam Lowe: 21 points, 14 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 block
Tristan Hurdle: 21 points, 5 3-pointers, 3 rebounds, 1 steal
Caelin Hearne: 16 points, 3-of-5 3-pointers, 2 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, 1 block
