It would have been a terrible way to end the season for Robert Morris, especially since the team has played so well down the stretch.
The Colonials avoided the nightmare scenario, winning in dramatic fashion Tuesday night.
Michael Green III buried a 3-pointer from the top of the key with 2.1 seconds to go to lift Robert Morris to a 67-64 win over IUPUI in the first round of the Horizon League Tournament at UMPC Events Center.
The Colonials advance to play Cleveland State on the road Thursday night at 8 in the second round.
IUPUI was a woeful 5-26 overall and 2-18 in the Horizon coming in, and yet nearly stunned the Colonials (16-16, 10-10).
IUPUI rallied in the second half and pulled even at 64-64 with 10 seconds to go.
Robert Morris then did this:
Michael Green III (@michaelgreenlll) A.K.A. “MG3” Hits the GAME WINNING 3 pointer with 2.1 left for Robert Morris to beat IUPUI 67-64 and move onto the 2nd round of the Horizon League Tournament (Video via @MichalowskiCBB) pic.twitter.com/x2t5FrKgkC
— NCAA Buzzer Beaters & Game Winners (@NCAABuzzerBters) March 1, 2023
"We drew up the play in the timeout, which was for (Kahliel Spear) to come set the step up screen," Green said in a university release. "By the time I got to half court there was about seven seconds. I felt like I made the right read and made the big shot.
"I tried to stay poised. My role is to lead and provide whatever isn't being provided on the court at the time. If we need scoring that's what I'm there to do. If we need facilitating when we have guys like Josh Corbin, Enoch Cheeks, Kahliel, scoring the ball, then my job is to make it easier by facilitating. Shout out to my teammates and coaches for believing in me and giving me the ball at the end."
As you can see in the video, IUPUI nearly sank a desperation heave at the buzzer that would have forced overtime, but it hit the front of the rim and bounced away.
Robert Morris led 34-20 at the half and appeared on its way to an easy victory. The Colonials were in control most of the second half and were up 60-49, before IUPUI staged a late comeback with a 15-4 run to pull even at 64-64.
"I guess that's conference tournament basketball," Colonials coach Andrew Toole said. "We've got to maintain our defensive discipline and our ability to get stops. It's vital. Credit Mike. Unbelievable shot there at the end. A lot of poise in the timeout with 10 seconds to go. Guys were locked in. We talked about making a play or making a shot.
"Mike had three huge 3s in the second half that gave us a little bit of a cushion, obviously the last one was the biggest. That's where it's so valuable to have a guy like Mike. It was season-saving play tonight. He made a great read and knocked it down, and we're thankful to be able to play another day."
Spear led Robert Morris with 17 points, while Green had 16 off the bench, and the game winner. Stephaun Walker added 12 points and Enoch Cheeks nine.
Toole brought up a good point about the challenges of playing in these kind of conference tournament settings, where everything is on the line for the entire season.
"For some of these guys, as much as they've been part of good teams and part of college basketball, they haven't been in those moments yet," Toole said.
"As much as guy don't always want to admit it, it's different. You have to super strong and well-versed in what you have to do. There were certainly a little bit of tense moments at the end. That's where you have to rely on your training. Fortunate we were able to get over the hump. Not having Enoch there at the end was tough."