5.1 seconds remained on the clock. Washington called the timeout to come up with the play that would hopefully win their last home game of the season and possibly spoiling Muhlenburg's day.
Senior guard Aaron Goode received the ball in the back court, hustled to the free throw line, and with a running jumper, shot what could have been the game winner had it not rimmed out as the buzzer sounded.
The rowdy home court crowd helped WC jump out to a 26-16 lead, making the game appear as if it would be a blowout. The Mules were feeling the pressure from the excited crowd, and did not even lead in the game until just 3 minutes in to the second half, putting them up 51-49. The lead would then change six times in the middle of the second half.
The Mules looked like they were beginning to pull away after taking a 78-73 lead with 3:04 to go in the game.
A three-pointer by Andrew Gentile cut the lead to two points with 2:11 left. A dunk by junior center Aaron Holden gave the Mules an 80-76 lead with 1:37 to play.
Goode answered with a lay-up and Mason hit a jumper to make it 80-80 with 1:10 left to play.
Muhlenburg turned the ball over on their next possession and then fouled senior forward Ryan Plews with just 36 seconds remaining. He would hit one of the two free throws giving the Shoremen an 81-80 lead. Mules forward Anthony Strachan got the key offensive rebound and layed the ball in with five seconds left, giving the Mules the 82-81 win.
Goode led the way with 21 points. Mason had 20 points, grabbed 8 rebounds, and shot 8-14 from the floor including 3-5 from behind the arc. Mason has connected on 15-24 three points attempts for 63 percent in the last 5 games.
Gentile added 13 points and shot 3-4 from three-point land. He has hit 11-18 three's (61 percent) in the last 4 games. Brandenberg chipped in 12 points.
WC concludes its season with a game at Western Maryland tomorrow. Though they do not qualify for the playoffs, this team should be proud of their accomplishments this season.
With only one starter from last year's lineup and a fresh crop of young talent coupled with a first year coach, the team that was expected to do nothing, turned some heads.
Be sure to catch 2002-2003 Shoremen basketball. With a year's experience, this team will fly next season.
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