On Senior Day, Patrick Mitchell -- playing in his last game at The Betty -- couldn't get his shots to fall. The UND senior was frustrated until the final play of the game when his frustration turned to elation in a split second.
Mitchell's 15-footer at the buzzer gave UND a 57-56 win against Utah Valley on Saturday before 1,903 fans in the Great West Conference regular-season finale -- a victory that locked up second place in the league for the Sioux as they prepare for the upcoming league postseason tournament.
And there is no better way for a senior to end his career than hitting a game-winner at the buzzer.
"It felt good leaving my hand," said Mitchell, who was 2-for-9 from the field. "Of all my shots today, that one felt the best, obviously. But the bottom line is that we all pulled together and got the win."
UND improved to 6-4 in the Great West and 15-14 overall, while Utah Valley dropped to 9-1 and 20-11. The loss also snapped Utah Valley's 13-game Great West regular-season win streak.
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But the game was about UND's two seniors -- Mitchell and Mike Mathison -- and the momentum the Sioux have gained recently as they hope finish strong just like last season. UND has won four in a row and finished the season 13-1 at home, its lone setback a three-point loss against Western Illinois.
Also, the win helped make up for three stinging losses against UVU dating back to last season.
"We knew this game would be a battle," Mitchell said. "We knew we had to get them once."
UND led for much of the game until Ben Aird's three-point play put the Wolverines up 56-55 with 7.8 seconds to go.
Then, it was Mitchell's time for the spotlight.
Aaron Anderson drove the lane, but his runner was too strong. The ball hit the floor and Jamal Webb helped direct the ball back to the free-throw line. Mitchell picked it up and launched his game-winner as the buzzer sounded.
"We just wanted to get Aaron in some space, going as hard as he could to the rim," UND coach Brian Jones said. "We wanted him to get the shot up on the rim so we could at least get a putback if he didn't make it. Jamal is the guy who knocked the ball loose. The ball squirted by to Patrick and he got the shot."
Utah Valley coach Dick Hunsaker protested the shot, claiming it didn't leave Mitchell's hands before the buzzer sounded. But a replay indicated the shot did leave Mitchell's hands in time.
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UND led much of the game. No more than seven points separated the teams. But Utah Valley's second-half zone caused problems for the Sioux. UND led 52-45 with six minutes to go, but the Wolverines -- led by Aird's 14 points -- went on a 6-0 run to cut the deficit to 52-51 with 2:43 left.
Anderson responded with a 3-pointer but the Wolverines responded with an Aird basket at 1:55 and his three-point play with 7.8 seconds left for the lead.
"We didn't put a lot of pressure on their zone," Jones said. "We were passive; we were playing catch. You still have to attack, whether you're playing against a man or zone."
Troy Huff, with some explosive moves to the basket, led the Sioux with 14 points. Brandon Brekke added 11 for the Sioux in a game that featured 11 ties and 12 lead changes.
In the end, Mitchell and Mathison -- the two seniors who knew they'd never get a chance to play for an NCAA tournament appearance because of the program's transition to Division I -- walked off winners in their final home game.
"I couldn't think of any better way to end the season at home," Mathison said.
Nelson reports on sports. Reach him at (701) 780-1268; (800) 477-6572, ext. 268; or send email to wnelson@gfherald.com .
