Free throws allow Hawks to hold off Oilers, pick up first victory of season

KIRKSVILLE, Mo. — Finding a way to win the final two minutes of regulation the way the Quincy University men’s basketball team did Saturday should help the Hawks learn to win more nip-and-tuck games the remainder of the season.

Despite leading Findlay by as many as eight points in the second half of the GLVC/G-MAC Crossover Challenge at Truman State’s Pershing Arena, the Hawks needed an Isaiah Foster basket with 2:33 to  play to tie the game at 62.

Quincy proceeded to take the lead 17 seconds later and never relinquished it, holding on for a 71-65 victory — its first victory of the season.

Senior guard Nate Shockey gave the Hawks the lead when he stole the ball from Findlay’s Will Aljancic, was fouled and made two free throws. A Mason Wujek basket in the paint two possessions later boosted the lead to 66-62.

After the Oilers’ Cameron Shaw was fouled on a 3-point attempt and made all three field goals to draw Findlay within 66-65 with 29 seconds to play, the Hawks made five consecutive free throws, including three by Ibo Drame, to put the game away.

Foster led the Hawks with 16 points and three assists, while Zion Richardson had 13 points and Drame finished with nine points and 10 rebounds. The Hawks shot 46 percent from the field and went 13 of 16 from the free-throw line, while overcoming 22 turnovers.