Box Score
SAN ANTONIO — The St. Mary's Rattlers came out on top of a nail-biter against the Texas-Permian Basin Falcons, 76-73.
Bill Greehey Arena breathed a sigh of relief as
Marvin Binney (Jr., Toronto, Ontario) sank a pair free throws to ice the game with six seconds left Thursday night. UTPB's Dwayne Soders misfired on a would-be-tying 3-pointer at the buzzer.
Binney led the Rattlers in both points and assists, contributing 15 and three, respectively.
Kameron Pearce (Jr., Boise, Idaho) also had a big game for the Rattlers with in 11 points, two assists and two boards.
The victory could go a long way in securing St. Mary's a spot in next month's Heartland Conference Tournament, as the third-place Rattlers now lead fourth-place UTPB by two games for the fourth and final spot in the tournament. Also still at stake is the opportunity to host the tournament outright, as St. Mary's is just two games behind first-place Texas A&M International and a single game behind second-place Arkansas-Fort Smith.
Throughout the first half, the Falcons kept their distance, leading by at least six points and as many as 13.
The first half saw the Rattlers held to 11-of-30 shooting and only 14 rebounds, resulting in a 37-31 deficit at the half.
In the second half, the Rattlers rallied back, finally gaining the lead for the first time in the game at the 6:30 mark.
From there, the Rattlers fought hard to maintain their lead for the remainder of the game, with the Falcons coming to within one point at the seven-second mark.
Coming off the bench,
Fred Wilson (Sr., Seattle) played a pivotal role in the second half, scoring 10 points, pulling down three boards, and chipping in one assist, block and steal.
UTPB out-rebounded the Rattlers 37-34.
Isaiah Matthews (R-Jr., Texas City, Texas) pulled down six rebounds, while
Justin Alexander (Jr., San Antonio) and
Joe Monroe (R-Jr., San Antonio) contributed five apiece.
The Rattlers take on Lubbock Christian on Saturday afternoon at 3 p.m. in Bill Greehey Arena.
