January 24, 2008 - The last minute of Thursday night's men's basketball game between Hillsdale and Mercyhurst was thrilling, frustrating and exhausting for both teams.

But in the end, Mercyhurst's Brian McTier drained a free throw after time had expired to give the Lakers a 59-58 victory over the host Chargers. Hillsdale is now 10-7 overall and 5-4 in the GLIAC after its second straight loss. The Lakers are now 9-10 this season. Hillsdale has lost two straight games by one point.

Mercyhurst controlled the pace of the game most of the way, but nearly saw a nine-point lead disintegrate in the game's final four minutes. The Charger comeback hit a peak within the last minute of the game, when an incredible sequence of events saw Hillsdale improbably tie the game, only to see the win get away.

The Lakers led the ballgame 58-50 with 1:58 left in the game. The Chargers would score the next seven points, coming off free throws by Tony Gugino and Keith macKenzie, and a slick layup by guard Evan Steward. Mercyhurst then turned the ball over, and was called for back-to-back fouls, followed by a technical foul on the Laker bench. Steward ended up making three of the four free throws he was awarded in the sequence, tying the game at 58-58.

The Chargers regained possession of the ball and ran the clock all the way down, setting up MacKenzie for a last-second 3-point attempt. McTier then made an incredible, athletic play to block the shot at the top of the 3-point arc. McTier tried to chase the loose ball down as time expired, but was fouled. The officials gave McTier and one-and-one free throw opportunity with no time remaining on the clock. McTier calmly sank the first free throw, ending the game.

Gugino, Steward and Travis Worst all scored 10 points for Hillsdale, with Tim Homan leading the team with 14. Gugino added four blocked shots and seven rebounds.

Mercyhurst's leading scorer was guard Terry Smith, who had 21.

The Chargers will host 13th-ranked Gannon University Saturday at 3 p.m.

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