Box Score

LAS VEGAS, N.M. — Every time the Fort Lewis College men's basketball team got close, New Mexico Highlands found a way to push the lead back to near 10 points.

When FLC finally broke through to take the lead at 94-93, Highlands had the most heartbreaking answer of all.

Billy Austin's jumper with 12.4 seconds left put the Cowboys up 95-94, and his subsequent steal and free throw on the ensuing possession locked up Highlands' 96-94 victory Friday at the John A. Wilson Complex.

Highlands shot 59 percent to 55 for FLC and hit 11 three-pointers, many from well beyond the arc.

“I give them credit more than anything. They made a lot of shots that were tough shots,” 16th-year FLC head coach Bob Hofman said.

After scratching and clawing to get within striking distance, Fort Lewis finally got an opportunity to seize the game late. Matt Billups, who had a game-high and career-high 28 points, hit three free throws to cut the lead to 91-88 with 1:35 left.

After Momcilo Latinovic, one of six Cowboys in double figures with 18 points, split a pair of free throws, Mike Matthews hit a three, stole the inbounds pass and was fouled, splitting his free throws to tie the game at 92.

Marcus Ayala, who had six steals for FLC, fouled Mike Moody on the next possession, and Moody hit a free throw to put Highlands (7-6 overall, 5-4 in the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference) back in front, but Matthew Mazarei would give FLC the lead with a bucket with 22 seconds left before Austin, who had 20 points, provided Highlands' final answer.

FLC had a chance at a long desperation shot with three seconds left, but the ball was knocked away and time expired.

“The effort was good, but it was a very tough loss,” Hofman said.

Matt Morris had yet another double-double for FLC with 18 points and 14 rebounds, and Matthias Weissl had 12 points for the Skyhawks (7-5, 5-3 RMAC).

Hofman said he was happy with the effort, one he hopes carries over to tonight's game with Western New

Mexico.“We've played them three straight years down here, and it's our best performance down here in four years,” Hofman said.

The Skyhawks complete their road trip at Western New Mexico (4-9, 4-5) at 7:30 p.m. tonight.