GRAND JUNCTION, COLO. – The Colorado Mesa University men's basketball team dropped a 68-66 decision to Black Hills State after having to play the final 71 seconds with only four players Saturday (Feb. 18).

The Mavericks battled back from a 20-point second half deficit and tied the game at 64 thanks to a lay-up by Eimer Lopez with 2:13 remaining.

Fraser Malcolm answered with a lay-up at the other end to put the Yellowjackets back up two, 66-64.

BHSU grabbed the defensive rebound off a missed 3-pointer by CMU.

The Mavericks forced a turnover with Connor Nichols grabbing the ball and calling timeout. The scramble for the loose ball erupted with both players from teams leaving their benches.

After a 40 minute officials review, all of the players and assistant coaches from both teams were ejected from the game.

BHSU finished the game with five players, while CMU had just four.

Both teams missed 3-pointers before Eimer Lopez made an athletic reverse lay-up with 13 seconds remaining to tie the game at 66.

Antonio Capley made a pair of free throws for BHSU to push the lead to 68-66.

Mesa missed a 3-pointer, but Capley missed back-to-back free throws to give the Mavericks one more chance with five seconds remaining.

Eimer Lopez's running 3-point attempt at the buzzer bounced off the rim.

Black Hills shot an incredible 72-percent (16-22) from the field and held Mesa to 33-percent (9-27) to lead 45-26 at the half.

The Mavs offense turned things around in the second shooting 42-percent (11-26) over the final 20 minutes to out-score the 'Jackets 40-23.

James Sylvester led the Mavericks with 15 points.

CJ Davis and Connor Nichols each finished with 13 points for CMU.

Fraser Malcolm led the 'Jackets with 21 points.

CMU scored 28 points off 22 BHSU turnovers.

With the loss, Colorado Mesa will not qualify for the RMAC Tournament.

Colorado Mesa (7-19, 6-14) will host New Mexico Highlands Feb. 24.