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Iowa State beats Oklahoma State at buzzer 71-68

Sports

January 19th, 2012 by Ric Hanson

AMES, Iowa (AP) ā€” Scott Christopherson’s buzzer beater was a first. Christopherson banked in a 3-pointer at the buzzer to cap a late rally that gave Iowa State a 71-68 victory over Oklahoma State on Wednesday night. “I’ve never done something like that before,” the senior guard said. “Not even in high school, not even in middle school. It was a good feeling.” And quite a thrill for the Hilton Coliseum crowd of 12,397, which was squirming after the Cyclones fell behind 66-60 with less than three minutes to play. But Christopherson hit a 3-pointer and driving layup to cut the lead to one, and after Keiton Page sank two free throws for Oklahoma State, Tyrus McGee nailed a 3 to tie it at 68-all with 16.8 seconds remaining.

The Cowboys had a chance for the final shot, but McGee, who gave the Cyclones a huge lift off the bench with 17 points, knocked the ball off Markel Brown’s leg, and it rolled out of bounds with 4.8 seconds left, giving Iowa State possession. “He was our energy guy all night long,” Iowa State coach Fred Hoiberg said. “We don’t have Tyrus tonight, no way we win that ballgame.” Iowa State (13-5, 3-2 Big 12) inbounded, and Christopherson dribbled up the floor. He stopped 2 feet from the 3-point line and launched his game winner over the 5-foot-8 Page, touching off a wild celebration among the ISU players. Christopherson was mobbed, then jumped up onto the scorers table to salute the crowd. After a video review by the officials, the basket stood. “I didn’t know he could jump that high,” Hoiberg cracked. Christopherson and Royce White also scored 17 points each for the Cyclones. Keiton Page and Le’Bryan Nash led Oklahoma State (9-9, 2-3) with 21 points each.