Jamestown beats buzzer to stun Hardrockers, 67-66

By Brad Blume

Sports Information Director

RAPID CITY ---- What looked to be an exciting and dramatic finish for the South Dakota School of Mines men’s basketball team turned into a heartbreaking and disappointing loss Saturday night as the Jamestown College Jimmies squeaked out a last-second win at the King Center in Rapid City, 67-66, during Dakota Athletic Conference play.

Trailing by two points with just three second to play, Jimmies’ senior Jordan Olson took an inbounds pass, squared up at the top of the key and drained a three-point basket as the final buzzer sounded.

“Jamestown did what they needed to do to win the game,” said Hardrocker head coach Jason Henry. “That was a heck of a shot. It was just a senior making the play.”

What really stung for the ‘Rockers is just seconds early at the other end, freshman A.J. Trennepohl drained what appeared to be a three-pointer with just under 10 ticks to play, which would have put the home team up by three points. On a controversial call, the basket was recorded as two points, giving SD Mines only a two-point edge, 66-64, before setting up the intense and emotional ending.

“We will have to go back and look at that play,” Henry said. “Even one of the officials called it a three, but it was waved off. There is not a lot you can do about it.”

The loss drops the Hardrockers 4-13 (1-2 in DAC) on the season, while the Jimmies escape with a win and a 12-5 (2-1 in DAC) overall mark for the season.

The defeat was also bitter sweet for SD Mines as Henry felt Jamestown College was the best team in league and his Hardrockers were still able to compete and give themselves an opportunity to come out on top.

“I feel terrible for our kids,” Henry said. “They did what they needed to do to put them in a position to win that game. We played very well.”

SD Mines held a 33-30 edge at the half, but the Jimmies outscored the Hardrockers in the second period, 37-33.

For Jamestown, Holen was not only the hero, but also paced the team in scoring with 24 points. Teammate Kyle Iverson added 17 and Ryan Thompson contributed with 10 markers.

For the Hardrockers, Trennepohl had a tremendous game, leading the way with 24 points, including a 6 of 9 performance from behind the arc, while sophomore Robbie Fedor and freshman Jordan Schmitz both dropped in nine points.

The Hardrockers are on the road next weekend as they travel to North Dakota to square off with Mayville State and Dakota State.