Watch: Stunning Long-Range Buzzer-Beater Flips a Loss into a Win
It’s only January, but we already have some madness in college basketball.
Valparaiso beat Illinois State on Wednesday night 58-56 on a stunning buzzer-beater by guard Markus Golder.
Illinois State was up 56-55 with 2.9 seconds left. The Redbirds’ Zach Copeland made the first of two free throws to give Illinois State the lead, but he missed the second.
Golder grabbed the rebound, took a few dribbles to half court, and let it fly.
The shot caromed off the backboard into the hoop for a game-winning 3-pointer as time expired.
VALPO WINS AT THE BUZZER FROM HALF COURT! #SCtop10 pic.twitter.com/tWbj4tFkFg
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) January 3, 2019
Seconds earlier, Golder had missed the potential game-tying free throw with 5.1 seconds remaining.
“There’s been times throughout last year when I’d get down on myself,” Golder told the Northwest Indiana Times. “After missing that third (free throw), I was down on myself. But my brothers picked me up, and that’s what they’re there for.”
Here’s another look at the shot and the mob scene that ensued.
A gritty start to conference play for @ValpoBasketball . Markus Golder drains a half court shot at the buzzer to secure a 58-56 victory over Illinois State. #GoValpo pic.twitter.com/hhNFTESc30
— Valpo Athletics (@valpoathletics) January 3, 2019
It was the opening game for both teams in Missouri Valley Conference play.
Valpo improved to 8-6 (1-0 in the conference), while Illinois State fell to 7-7 (0-1 in the conference).
What an exciting start to MVC play for @ValpoBasketball last night! The ARC was rocking!
Catch the team back at home against Bradley next Tuesday, Jan. 8 at 7 p.m.
Present a current school ID for FREE admission, or purchase tickets today at https://t.co/dF1iv8Co5l.#Grit #GoValpo pic.twitter.com/f8SEPlaGd5— Valpo Athletics (@valpoathletics) January 3, 2019
The Crusaders were trailing 54-44 with 2:07 left but went on a 14-2 run to close out the Redbirds.
“Obviously, that was a lot of fun,” Valparaiso coach Matt Lottich told the Times. “I don’t know where everyone’s at spiritually, but I think someone caught that for us and put it in.”
momma we made it!!! https://t.co/oaxgD0K5qX
— Markus Golder?? (@TheReal_MG3) January 3, 2019
Ryan Fazekas led Valpo with 14 points, while Golder and Derrik Smits had 10 points apiece. Copeland led Illinois State with 21 points.
“It’s one of 18,” Lottich said. “We have 17 more of these things. But we’re excited about it, and this was a good one for the Crusaders tonight.”
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