Wildcats Squeeze by Stetson in Men’s Hoops Action, 52-51
Jimmy Hudson leads all scorers with 20 points
Brian Harvey
12/3/07

(DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. –)  Bethune-Cookman University survived a last-second shot attempt on Monday night to squeak by visiting Stetson University, 52-51 at Moore Gymnasium in Daytona Beach, Fla.  It was the second consecutive non-conference victory for the Wildcats.

Following a Jimmy Hudson three-point basket with 28 seconds remaining, Stetson’s Eric Diaz broke through the lane for a lay-up that cut the B-CU advantage to just one point at 52-51 with seven seconds remaining on the clock.

B-CU (3-4) was immediately fouled as Dominique Whatley—a 44 percent free-throw shooter on the year, toed the line with two shots to, at best, extend the Wildcats lead to three.  However, both free throw shots missed, and the Hatters of Stetson (2-7) had a chance at the victory.

Garfield Blair, a knifing guard/forward that was electric in the second half of last month’s Hatters victory over the ‘Cats, was held in check for most of the night—seemingly, until the final play of the game.

Blair took the rebound the length of the court with five ticks left on the clock and pulled-up for a three-point attempt at the buzzer that seemed to be the only thing with a sound in the gym as gasps were around a crowd of 2,625 before his shot attempt rimmed-out to leave the homestanding Wildcats on top for the win.

In a game that saw 15 lead changes and 9 ties, it was only right that the game come down to a last possession.

B-CU ran their halftime lead of the slimmest variety, 26-25, out to as many as 10 in the second half with just over nine minutes remaining.  Two free throws from Hudson (4-for-4 at the line on the night) extended the Wildcats lead to 44-34 in the midst of a 12-2 run for B-CU.

The Hatters were not to be outdone as they climbed right back into the game on the strength of the deep ball from Mark Lohuis and A.J. Smith.  A 13-5 run, mixed with the three-pointers from Lohuis and Smith, allowed the Hatters to get within striking distance at 49-47 with 4:35 remaining.

A lay-up from Diaz with 1:39 showing on the game clock moved Stetson to within 50-49 before a deafening jumper from Hudson on the left baseline that was over two defenders … including Smith who had played lock-down defense for most of the night.

Stetson held a 7-3 lead to start the game following a Kris Thomas three-pointer.  B-CU countered with back-to-back baskets from Hudson to take a 10-7 lead with over 10 minutes remaining.

The Hatters countered with Blair to tie the game back up before Sheldon Oliver put the Hatters on top against at 14-12 on a lay-up.  Oliver finished the night with four points.

B-CU trailed with three ticks left on the clock near the end of the first half before a Josh Cummings jumper was rebounded by senior forward John Anderson … and tipped in at the buzzer.  That seemed to set the tone of the entire end of game/half sequences.

A.J. Smith paced Stetson on the night with 14 points, two assists and three big steals.  He was followed up by the efforts of Kris Thomas with nine points.  Lohuis also had nine points himself.

Hudson led all Wildcats with 20 points, and two rebounds and two assists.  Anderson added eight points and four rebounds.

In the last game, B-CU was out rebounded, but tonight they took the battle of the boards, 28-22.  They actually out-scored the Hatters, 13-4 in second chance points as well.

B-CU will get back in action on Dec. 10 at 7 p.m. against Southeastern.  For ticket information, please call the B-CU ticket office at (386) 481-2292.  Live stats for the game will be provided through Game Tracker on www.BCCathletics.com.