New Mexico’s Cleveland Thomas Hits 3-Pointer for Victory Over UAB

CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP) — Cleveland Thomas hit a 3-pointer with 39.5 seconds left in the second overtime to give No. 19 New Mexico the lead for good in a wild 97-94 victory over UAB at the Charleston Classic on Thursday.

The Lobos (3-0) forced overtime on Kendall Williams' desperation 3 as time ran out to tie it 75-all. Then Alex Kirk hit a 3-pointer with 2.2 seconds left in the first overtime as New Mexico dug its way out of an 86-81 hole for another period.

The Blazers (3-1) weren't through after Thomas' long-range bucket put them down 95-92. Chad Frazier hit two foul shots to cut the lead a point. After Williams' turnover, Frazier drove the lane for what appeared to be a go-ahead basket.

But Frazier's shot missed and Obij Aget grabbed the ball with 18 seconds left and the Lobos held on. They'll play Massachusetts here on Friday.