Missouri Western men’s basketball coach Brett Weiberg’s first game was a wild one.

The Griffons picked up the win in Weiberg’s debut, knocking off Augustana College 65-64 in the opening game of the Sanford Pentagon Showcase.

The men won after Cortrez Colbert knocked down two game-winning free throws with three seconds remaining in the game. Augustana trailed the whole second half, but with less than 10 seconds to go, Vikings guard Ethan Guske knocked down a 3-pointer with nine seconds left to take a one-point lead.

Afterward, point guard Ryan Devers, who lead the team with 15 points and six assists, missed a layup with four seconds to go, but Colbert grabbed the offensive rebound and was immediately fouled.

Colbert made both of his attempts to go ahead 65-64, and Augustana missed a 3 at the buzzer.

The Griffons were behind for the majority of the first frame. Adarius Fulton made a 3 to take a 29-28 lead with 2 minutes, eight seconds left in the half. Missouri Western extended its lead to 34-30 at halftime.

Cedric Clinkscales’ layup made it 39-33 to mark the biggest lead of the night for the Griffons. After that, both teams went back-and-fourth, but Missouri Western never relinquished the lead until nine seconds to play.

Hans Thun led the team with eight rebounds. Clinkscales added five boards, four offensively. Colbert placed second on the team with 14 points, behind Devers, who had a game-high 37 minutes. Augustana was led by Daniel Jansen, who had 17 points. As a team, the Griffons had nine steals. The Griffons were outrebounded 44-35, but the Vikings had 17 turnovers compared to Missouri Western’s eight.

The Griffons return to the court tomorrow at 2 p.m. They play Northern State to finish out the showcase.

— MWSU Sports Information —