December 7, 2008 - After trailing for much of the game, a 21-9 run helped the Hillsdale College men's basketball team hang on for an exciting 68-66 win over Saginaw Valley State University on the road Sunday afternoon.

The win helps the Chargers stay in a tie for first place in the GLIAC South Division with a 2-0 conference mark. Hillsdale, 4-1 overall, will travel to Ferris State University Saturday, Dec. 13 for its next game.

The Cardinals played tough defense in leading the game through the 32-28 halftime score. Despite some inspired play from the Chargers early in the second half, SVSU refused to let go of the lead. Then, Hillsdale's seniors took over the game.

Starting with a 3-point basket by senior Keith MacKenzie, Hillsdale went on a 21-9 blitz that gave it a nine-point lead with less than three minutes left in the game. But the host Cardinals refused to take their loss quietly.

SVSU scored seven straight points to make it a 68-66 game with 38.6 seconds left. Hillsdale missed two straight offensive-putbacks in its last possession, but one final shot from Saginaw Valley's Lawrence Ross - who was sprinting upcourt with the ball - fell just short, giving the Chargers their second win of the season by three points or less.

MacKenzie had his best scoring game of the season, with 22 points on 9-for-15 shooting from the floor. He nailed four 3-point baskets, including the one that jump-started the Chargers' game-winning streak of points.

Senior center Tony Gugino overcame foul trouble to finish with 16 points, 15 rebounds and a season-high five assists. Senior Travis Worst chipped in nine points for the winners.

The Chargers shot 51 percent from the field in the second half, after being held to 37 percent shooting in the first half. Hillsdale outrebounded SVSU 42-34 in the game, and forced 18 turnovers.

Click on the link below for the box score from Sunday's game.

Box score