Eagles Comeback Bid Falls Short as They Fall to Mustangs 81-80

WALNUT RIDGE, Ark. - The Williams men's basketball team saw their comeback bid attempt fall short as they fell to the Central Baptist College Mustangs 81-80 on Saturday afternoon.

It was close in the early goings, but the Mustangs built up a lead in the first half and went into halftime leading 48-41. They maintained their lead for much of the second half, despite multiple times that the Eagles closed the gap to two or three points. The Eagles could never get the basket to tie the game or take the lead. 

With a minute remaining in the game, the Mustangs led 79-70. Ben Keton hit a three-pointer with 58 seconds left and then Duke Hardin hit a three with 32 seconds remaining to close the gap to three points. TJ Clardy made a layup with 18 left to close the gap to one point, but then the Eagles were forced to foul on the defensive end to stop the clock and the Mustangs converted both of their free-throws to push the lead back out to three. Williams got the ball inbounded and TJ Clardy was fouled as he shot a three-pointer in an attempt to tie the game. He made the first two free-throws, but then missed the game-tying one and the Mustangs rebounded with one second left to win the game. 

The Eagles shot 35.4% from the field (29-82), 25% from the three-point line (8-32), and 77.8% from the free-throw line (14-18). 

Two Eagles finished with double-doubles: Clardy had 20 points to lead all scorers and 12 rebounds, while Isaiah Thompson finished with 12 points and 12 rebounds. 

Duke Hardin was also in double figures with 13 points. He also had six assists in the game. 

Up Next

The Eagles play their final, regular season home game on Thursday, Feb. 16 as they welcome William Woods to the SMC. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.