BREVARD, N.C. - Demarcus Threatt had the third-most prolific shooting night in Brevard's NCAA era, scoring 36 points against visiting Tusculum in a critical South Atlantic Conference matchup Wednesday night.
He needed just one more shot to fall.
Threatt's three-point attempt in the final 10 seconds glanced off the right side of the rim and the Pioneers (9-9, 5-8 SAC) avoided being fouled as time expired in Tusculum's thrilling 78-77 win at Boshamer Gymnasium that included three ties and 17 lead changes.
The junior guard made 13 field goals in the contest, tied for third in the Tornados' (2-15, 1-10 SAC) record books, two months after establishing his previous career high with 34 points at Pioneer Arena. Threatt outdueled Tusculum senior guard Darius Carter, who followed up a 29-point, nine-assist performance in the teams' first meeting with 26 points on 10-for-20 from the field.
The Pioneers were held without a field goal over the game's final 5:28, scoring each of their last six points from the free throw line. Both teams were held scoreless for a 2:15 stretch late in the contest before a pair of Miles Leathers free throws gave Brevard a 75-74 advantage with 1:36 to play.
A disastrous sequence for the Tornados' on Tusculum's next trip down the floor sealed Brevard's fate. Chase Mounce was fouled on an inside shot attempt and made both free throws to trigger the game's 17th and final lead change. The Tornados were whistled for a flagrant foul as the players jockeyed for position for the potential rebound, leading to two more successful free throw attempts and allowing the Pioneers to retain possession.
Threatt trimmed the deficit to a point on a layup after slashing through the Tusculum defense, and the Pioneers missed their next field goal attempt. An ambitious effort at a long outlet pass was stolen away by Tusculum, but the Pioneers missed the front end of a one-and-one opportunity at the free throw line to set up the final sequence.
Alex Moe finished with seven points and set a new career high with 15 rebounds. Moe also equaled his personal best with five assists. The senior center either scored or assisted on seven of the Tornados' first eight made baskets. He drew a difficult assignment, holding Tusculum big men Chase Mounce and Matt Shown below their season scoring averages while also limiting Mounce to fewer rebounds.
Fred Rambert set a new career record with three assists. The Tornados equaled their fewest turnovers of the season with seven while converting 14 Tusculum turnovers into 20 points. Brevard also held a 34-28 advantage in the paint and scored 12 points in transition to just two for the Pioneers.
Brevard will look to rebound on Saturday as the Tornados host Coker. Tipoff is scheduled for 4:00 p.m.
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Featured image courtesy of Tommy Moss.
