NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Gianni Cobb led three Cougars in double figures, but SIUE men's basketball's furious second-half comeback came up short as Lipscomb escaped with a 78-77 win over SIUE men's basketball Saturday at Allen Arena.
Jordan Pickett's three-attempt as time expired in the second half, bounced out to secure the victory for the Bisons. The Cougars got the ball with just under eight seconds remaining and Gianni Cobb drove the length of the floor. Cobb turned on the baseline from the right side and kicked up top for Pickett's attempt.
The Cougars slipped to 2-1 while Lipscomb improved to 2-1.
Cobb finished with a game-high 20 points on 10-19 shooting. David Wilson added a career-high 15 points and Pickett finished 12 for SIUE. Dehrio McCaskill and Darrion Baker each scored nine points. Brennan Miller scored seven points and tied his career high with eight rebounds.
The Bisons built as much as a 13-point lead in the first half and led 46-35 at halftime, but SIUE mounted the comeback following the break.
The Bisons led 54-44 with 15:46 to play when SIUE scored 12 of the next 14 points. Jordan Pickett's first three-pointer of the night cut the lead to 56-54 with 12:27 left. A right-handed floater from Cobb tied at 56 with 10:56 left.
SIUE took its first lead since 9-8 when Pickett drained a three-pointer put the Cougars up 69-68 with 5:06 left. A runner by Cobb made it 75-72 SIUE with 2:23 left.
Titas Sargiunas hit one of two free throws to trim the lead to 75-73 an offensive rebound and putback by Devyn Martin tied the score again at 75.
Wilson was fouled and made both free throws to give the Cougars the lead back at 77-75 with less than a minute to play before the Bisons tied the score again.
Martin put Lipscomb back on top with a free throw with 7.7 to play.
SIUE dominated again inside, scoring 58 points in the paint. For the game, the Cougars connected on 49 percent (33-67) of their shots.
Martin led Liscomb with 17 points and 10 rebounds. The Bisons shot 44 percent (24-54) for the game and outrebounded SIUE 36-31.
The Cougars have a quick turnaround and will play at Missouri Monday night. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m.
