Placer's 3-pointer gives UMBC win over New Hampshire, 56-53
BALTIMORE (AP) — Jose Placer hit a 3-pointer with 2.4 seconds left that capped a rally from an 18-point second-half deficit and UMBC defeated New Hampshire 56-53 on Saturday.
The Retrievers trailed 48-30 with less than 12 minutes left. Brandon Horvath led the rally with 13 points, nine at the free-throw line.
Placer's winning 3-pointer came after UMBC had made just two of its previous 19 attempts from the arc in the game and UNH's Josh Hopkins missed the front end of a one-and-one with 11.3 remaining. After Placer's basket, UNH's long inbounds pass was intercepted by Horvath who finished the scoring with a final free throw.
UNH was 2 of 13 from the field over the final 12 minutes with eight turnovers. The loss eliminated UNH from advancing to the eight-team America East Conference tournament.
Joe Sherburne posted 15 points for UMBC. Horvath had 13 points for the Retrievers (19-12, 11-5). KJ Jackson added 10 points.
Marque Maultsby had 15 points for the Wildcats (4-24, 2-13). Chris Lester added 10 points and seven rebounds. Jordan Reed had 10 points.
The Retrievers improve to 2-0 against the Wildcats on the season. UMBC defeated New Hampshire 59-51 on Jan. 26. New Hampshire finishes its season against Maine at home on Tuesday. UMBC next takes the floor in the conference tournament
