Baton, Rouge, La. – Chris Thomas made a tie-breaking free throw with 0.7 seconds left to give Texas Southern a 59-58 victory against Southern on Monday night in the F.G. Clark Activity Center.
The score was tied and Texas Southern was playing for the last shot when Christopher Hyder stole the ball and drove toward the Tigers basket. Madarious Gibbs came from behind and blocked Hyder’s layup. Thomas rebounded and was bumped by Southern’s Adrian Rodgers, and a foul was called as the final buzzer sounded.Deverelll Biggs led all scorers with 20 points for TSU (5-10,2-0). Chriss Thomas added nine points and five rebounds. Tre’Lun Banks led the Jaguars (4-12, 1-1) with 16 points. Keith Davis and Rogers scored 13 and 11 points respectively.
After reviewing the play, the officials ruled that the foul came with 0.7 seconds left. Thomas made the first free throw and intentionally missed the second, so the Jaguars rebounded and called timeout.
Southern inbounded with 0.5 seconds left with a long pass to Rodgers, who caught the ball, turned and made a three pointer. But another replay review showed he released the ball after the buzzer, giving Texas Southern the victory.
