FROSTBURG, Md. – The Frostburg State men’s basketball team used balanced scoring and shot 48.6 percent from the field in the second half as it rallied past visiting Marymount, 66-61, Wednesday night.

Box Score

After a sluggish first half, FSU (9-15, 3-8 CAC) used much of the second half to overcome a 29-23 halftime deficit and rally past MU (7-18, 2-10).

The victory gives the Bobcats a critical third conference win and pushes them to a slim one-game advantage over both Marymount and York (Pa.), who only have two conference wins.

Frostburg controls its own playoff destiny as it will face York (Pa.) on Saturday (3:00 pm) in the regular season finale for both schools. If FSU wins, it will secure the fifth seed. However, if FSU loses to the Spartans, the Bobcats would earn the sixth and final playoff spot.

Frostburg seems to enjoy close contests at home as the last four home games have seemingly come down to the wire. The showdown with Marymount wasn’t any different.

The Bobcats led by just one point, 58-57, with 2:02 to play when senior Christian Jackson hit a tough layup in traffic to extend the Bobcat lead to three, 60-57. MU’s leading scorer Reed Scott answered for the visitors as he tipped in a missed layup at the other end of the floor to make 60-59 with 1:40 showing.

Following a series of missed baskets from Frostburg around the one minute mark and Bobcat timeout, senior Kwambina Coker brought the arena into an excited frenzy. Coker grabbed an offensive rebound and converted the traditional three-point play to give hosts a 63-59 lead with 40 seconds remaining.

The Bobcats were able to extend their lead to five at the final buzzer with three free throws inside the final 30 seconds.

Senior DeSean Antoine led Frostburg in scoring with 18 points, including 11 in the second half. He hit two big three-pointers in the second half to help the Bobcats to the win. His first trey ended a small 8-0 run for the Saints and brought the Bobcats to 52-47 at 6:44. His second gave FSU a 58-55 lead at 3:34.

Jackson finished with 17 points, eight rebounds and three three-pointers, while Coker posted a double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds.

Reed posted a game-high 24 points and 12 rebounds in the losing effort. Jesse Konadu added 11 for the Saints. Marymount capped a sluggish first half with a 7-1 run for the 29-23 edge at halftime.

A full CAC Playoff preview will be available following Saturday’s showdown with York (Pa.)