WASHINGTON -- A lead as large as 12 in the second half disappeared in the final six seconds for American University men's basketball on Wednesday night, but
Connor Nelson's three-pointer as the buzzer sounded pushed the Eagles to victory inside Bender Arena.
QUICK NOTABLES
- It's the second time a Nelson has hit a game-winning buzzer-beater for American this season as Sa'eed Nelson drained a jumper to top George Washington in November.
- With 10 points and a season-high 11 rebounds, Mark Gasperini became the second American player to record a double-double this season. Sa'eed had the other one against Boston University on Jan. 5, 2020 with 15 points and 10 rebounds.
- An early steal pushed Sa'eed into second on AU's all-time steals list, passing Gordon Austin who had 235 from 1979-83.
HOW IT HAPPENED
- American struggled to open the game and fell down early, 11-2.
- Unlike last game against Lehigh, AU found its footing and fought back to within three points at 13-10 with 13:24 left after Sa'eed Nelson had a slam dunk set up by a nice bounce pass inside from Stacy Beckton Jr.
- The two teams then traded baskets before an impressive 13-1 American run over a 5:45 stretch in the middle of the quarter gave the Eagles a 23-17 lead with 6:41 remaining in the first half.
- Bucknell took momentum into the half as they held American scoreless in the final 3:18 of the half to tie the game at 27-27 heading into the break.
- Out of the locker room, American opened on a 12-0 run, holding Bucknell scoreless for over six minutes.
- But the Bison slowly chipped away at the American advantage, finally getting the lead back on a put-back dunk with 4:01 left in the game. The dunk capped an 11-2 run for Bucknell and put them on top, 52-50.
- The Bucknell lead grew to three at 56-53 with 2:18 remaining after a nice offensive rebound and bucket on the other end.
- Sa'eed Nelson, who struggled from the floor most of the night, stepped up when the team needed it most. He scored a bucket while drawing a foul, completing the and-one with a made free throw to even the game at 56-56 with 1:56 to play.
- Less than a minute later, Sa'eed did it again, driving the lane and evening the game at 58-58 with 35.3 seconds left.
- Bucknell jumped ahead for the final time on two made free-throws with 5.4 ticks left.
- On the ensuing possession, Stacy Beckton Jr. inbounded the ball to Sa'eed Nelson. Sa'eed made it to the top of the key before dishing the ball to Connor Nelson on his left. Connor took a stutter step and drained an open three-pointer to win the game for American.
BY THE NUMBERS
- Five Eagles reached double-figures in scoring for the first time this season.
- Jamir Harris led the way with 14 points, his fourth straight double-digit scoring performance. He added three steals and also made his 13th straight free throw.
- Stacy Beckton Jr. looked good in his return to the court after sitting most of the second half against Lehigh. He had 10 points, four rebounds, and three steals.
- As a team, American outshot Bucknell, 45.1% to 37.5%. In the second half, the Eagles went 53.8% from the field.
- AU was physical inside as they outrebounded Bucknell (33-28) and also had more points in the paint (30-20).
UP NEXT
- The Eagles will take on Holy Cross this Saturday, Jan. 18.
- Tip-off is set for 4 p.m. inside Bender Arena and will be aired on NBC Sports Washington.
- It will be a busy day on campus with several events happening.
- Starting things off will be the first-ever "Rally in the Alley" taking place in the Tunnel in front of Bender Arena from 12:30-3:30 p.m. There will be free food, free drinks, a chance to mingle with over 20 different clubs and organizations on campus, a live DJ, and a ton of giveaways brought to you by the AU Blue Crew.
- Saturday will also be District Day and Alumni Day for men's basketball.
INDIVIDUAL GAME TICKET INFO
- The next home men's basketball game in Bender Arena will be Saturday, Jan. 18 at 4 p.m. vs. Holy Cross. Great seats are available for this and all remaining Patriot League basketball home games.
- Secure your seats today by visiting AUeagles.com/Tickets or by calling (202) 885-TIXX (8499).
- Group Tickets are available starting at just $5 each.
- AU students are admitted free of charge to home basketball games with a valid AU ID.
"BENDER WEEKENDER" TICKET MINI-PLAN NOW ON SALE THROUGH JAN. 17
- Ring in the new year by purchasing AU Men's Basketball's "Bender Weekender" Ticket Mini-Plan!
- For just $50 you get a sideline ticket in Sections 102 or 105 to three exciting Saturday afternoon home match-ups this January and February: Jan. 18 vs. Holy Cross, Jan. 25 vs. Colgate and Feb. 8 vs. Army.
- Purchase this special limited time offer at AUeagles.com/Tickets now through Jan. 17!
KEEP UP WITH US
- For the latest on American University Men's Basketball, stay tuned to AUEagles.com and follow the team on Twitter (@AU_MBasketball), Facebook (/AU.MBasketball) and Instagram (@au_mbasketball).
