Redhawks defeat Alaska-Anchorage 69-66, leave Alaska with first win under Edgar

FAIRBANKS, Alaska -- For the first time this season, the Southeast Missouri State men's basketball team found itself with a chance to win a game in the second half.

The Redhawks made the most of the opportunity, battling back from a nine-point halftime deficit to edge the host Alaska Nanooks 69-66 at the Top of the World Classic on Sunday afternoon.

"It was a great game. There were no losers in this game," first-year Southeast coach Scott Edgar said. "Both teams were desperate for a win and we were fortunate we got it. I'm just glad the time ran out."

Southeast (1-3) salvaged seventh place in the eight-team tourney after losing its first two games by a combined 59 points.

"They hung on to each other," said Edgar of his team, which finally found some confidence after falling behind 31-18 after 12 minutes. "I'm elated that they won but on the other hand, had we not won, I'd be just as proud because of how they battled."

Unlike blowout losses to Drake on Friday and Centenary on Saturday in the tournament, the Redhawks kept their composure and went into intermission trailing but still competitive.

Edgar pointed to the last several minutes of the first half as the key, because Southeast kept the game within reach against a Division II team supported by a partisan crowd.

"The positive thing at half was the collapse wasn't there," Edgar said. "We felt good about ourselves going into the half. I told them we were going to win."

They must have listened, because following an Alaska 3-pointer that stretched its lead to 42-32, the Redhawks unleashed 15 straight points in less than 5 minutes to claim a five-point advantage.

Five different Redhawks scored during the rally, including senior guard Terrick Willoughby, whose 3-pointer tied the score at 42-42.

"The key point was the first 5 minutes [of the [JUMP]second half]," said Willoughby, who finished with 12 points and five rebounds. "We controlled most of the second half. We showed a lot of character."

Southeast extended the lead to 58-48 before the Nanooks chipped away to set up a dramatic final 5 minutes.

Starting with Brandon Foust's block against Alaska star Jushay Rockett with 3:27 remaining, the Redhawks repelled seven Nanooks' attempts to forge a tie or take the lead. In addition to the block, there were two missed free throws, two 3-pointers gone awry, an Alaska turnover and then the last -- and most unpredictable -- denial.

With 7.2 seconds left and the Redhawks clinging to a 67-66 lead, junior David Johnson stepped to the free throw line for a one-and-one. His first shot clanged off the rim, and Rockett rebounded, looking to push the ball upcourt for a shot to win in the final seconds.

But Southeast defended a possible outlet pass, and Rockett appeared to begin to pass before dropping the ball several feet in front of him. Redhawks' freshman JaJuan Maxwell retrieved the loose ball and fed junior guard Brandon Foust, who threw down an emphatic two-handed dunk just before the final buzzer, after which the Southeast bench rushed the court to celebrate.

"I looked up and my first thought was 'Get it as fast you can down the court,' but I made a mistake and I let the ball go," said Rockett, who led Alaska with a game-high 20 points.

Foust, a transfer from the University of Oklahoma, credited the Redhawks for showing resolve.

"We were losing, so the best thing to do is stick together," said Foust, who led the team in points (14), rebounds (eight), assists (six), blocks (two) and turnovers (five). "We didn't give up today. That's pretty much why we won."

Foust was named to the all-tournament team.

The defeat was crushing for the Nanooks (4-4) who lost once in overtime and twice in the final seconds to finish the tournament 0-3.