Williamsburg, KY – Jahi Hinson drained a pair of free throws with 1.1 seconds remaining in the second half to lead the 14^th-ranked UC men's basketball team to an 80-79 win over Lindsey Wilson Thursday night at Randy Vernon Court. With the win the Patriots improve to 23-6 overall and 12-3 against the MSC and clinch the second-seed in next week's MSC tournament.

Tevin Olison led the way for the Patriots with 18 points, while Hinson added 17 points, including converting four free throws.  Jordan Griggs and Steven Fitzgerald finished with 14 and 13 points, respectfully. Caleb Taylor notched his 15^th double-double of the season recorded 11 points and 12 rebounds.

UC got off to a fast start as Taylor and Griggs hit field goals to give the Patriots an early 4-0 lead. Lindsey Wilson went on a 9-2 run, however, Olison sparked a 11-2 Cumberlands run to make it 16-11, seven minutes into the first half. Lindsey Wilson evened the score at 19-19 before four straight points from Griggs put the Patriots ahead 23-19 with 5:44 remaining. The Patriots closed out the first half on a 16-5 run, including seven points from Olison, to take a 39-28 lead into the break.

The Blue Raiders tallied six straight points to open the second half and cut the lead to five.  Both teams traded baskets over the next three minutes until Fitzgerald and Griggs converted consecutive three-pointers, coupled with a pair of Hinson free throws, to extend UC's lead to 53-38 with 13:37 remaining. A pair of buckets from Taylor combined with a Fitzgerald field goal pushed UC's lead to 62-45, their largest of the game, with 9:19 remaining.  Lindsey Wilson went on a 15-5 run to cut the lead to 67-60, however, Hinson hit a jumper to push the lead back to nine with 3:55 remaining.  The Blue Raiders converted three triples to cut the lead to four points as Hinson made a pair of free throws with 1:41 remaining to give the Patriots a 75-69 edge.  Cumberlands remained in the lead until Reece Brooks hit a three-pointer with 3.3 seconds remaining to give Lindsey Wilson and 79-78 lead.  On the ensuing Patriots possession Hinson was fouled and converted both free throws for the 80-79 final.

The Patriots will return to action Saturday, February 29, when they host Campbellsville in their regular season finale.  Tip off is slated for 4 p.m. with live stats will be available here.

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