Message from Assistant Director of Sports Information Trevor Wenners: Interested in reliving some of the best games at LaGrange College? We are going back and exploring some of the most jaw-dropping wins in Panther athletics' history.
This was a moment that Alex Bonner will always cherish.
The then-junior guard on the fifth-seeded LaGrange College men's basketball team drilled the game-winning shot with two seconds remaining during an epic 80-78 triumph over fourth-seeded William Peace in the first round of the USA South Tournament on Feb. 23, 2017.
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| Alex Bonner always came through in the clutch for the Panthers. |
The shot served as a catalyst for the Panthers' run through the conference tournament at Averett in Danville, Virginia. The group took home the USA South crown for the third time in four seasons. The victory also avenged a 109-86 setback to the Pacers four days earlier in Raleigh, North Carolina.
Bonner recorded a team-high 19 points, shooting 9-for-14 from the floor, while Justyn Olson finished with 18 points, going 10-for-10 from the free-throw line. Drew Vanderbrook compiled an excellent all-around performance and tallied the game's only double-double, with 15 points and 10 boards.
Jamison McCray was a spark off the bench. He registered 13 points on 6-for-11 shooting from the field in 29 minutes.
The Pacers built their largest lead at 39-24 with 3:53 left in the opening half. LaGrange played some outstanding basketball down the stretch of the first half, completely changing the complexion of the game. The Panthers responded with a 14-0 surge over the next two minutes, 39 seconds, featuring seven points by Olson.
Two made free throws by Olson brought the Panthers to within one at 39-38 with 1:14 on the clock. William Peace took a 43-38 lead into halftime.
Olson once again delivered in a clutch moment during the second half, as he put the Panthers in front, 57-56, on a 3-pointer with 11:31 on the clock.
The Pacers claimed a 70-64 lead with 5:27 on the clock, but LaGrange refused to wilt under pressure. A layup by Vanderbook with 3:19 left gave the Panthers a 73-72 advantage.
The rest of the night was the Bonner show, as he scored the team's final seven points. A free throw by Bonner allowed the unit to take its largest lead of the game at 78-74 with 1:04 on the scoreboard.
William Peace evened the score at 78-78 on two made foul shots with 25 seconds left, but Bonner punched the Panthers' ticket to the semifinals with the game-winner on the ensuing possession.
The Panthers shot 81 percent from the free-throw line (17-for-21) and held a 43-36 advantage in the rebounding action. The matchup was an even one and the momentum went back and forth all game, with eight ties and seven lead changes.
Trevor Wenners can be reached at twenners@lagrange.edu.
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