Green, Buffs defeat No. 16 Cumberlands with buzzer beater 

WILLIAMSBURG, Ky. (Oct. 26, 2019) – The Milligan College men's basketball team began their redemption season Saturday afternoon with senior Desean Green scoring the winning shot in the last seconds of play to defeat nationally ranked University of the Cumberlands 67-66. 

This was the fourth year that the Buffs have opened up with the Patriots and this is the first time in their four-year history that Milligan has picked up the win. 

First half recap 

The Patriots made quick work at the start of the game going on a 16-3 run in the first nine minutes of play. Milligan worked their way back from the 13-point deficit starting with a shot made by senior Nathan Hastings. The Buffs then went on a 14-3 run to gain the lead at 20-19. Freshman Peter Olatunji scored the go ahead shot. The first half ended with Milligan ahead 29-28. 

Second half recap 

Milligan came out quick in the first half with a Jacob Cawood three pointer to get the Buffs started in the first 13 seconds of play. The Buffs and the Patriots went back and forth tying the game up five times during the second half. The Patriots were able to gain a nine-point lead with six minutes left of regulation time before back to back free throw shots by Green and Tyler Nichols got the Buffs back in reach. Bo Pless then sank a three-point shot to make the score 59-61 Patriots. 

With 49 seconds left on the clock the Patriots were up 66-63 before Nichols scored a goal to make it 66-65. With five seconds left Green drew a foul which sent Cumberlands player Tevin Olison to the free throw line for a 1-and-1. Olison missed the shot and Pless rebounded the ball and passed it out to Green who made the game winning shot with no time left on the clock. 

By the numbers

Green had a game high of 18 points with nine rebounds and five assists. Cawood finished the night with 14 points and was 3 for 6 in three-point shots. Nichols had 12 points and three assists, and Pless had 11 points. Milligan had a total field goal percentage of .407. 

Up next 

The Buffs head into Appalachian Athletic Conference play as they open up with Bluefield at home on Wednesday, Nov. 6, at 7:30 p.m. Milligan will then play an exhibition game on Friday, Nov. 8, at Elon.