FAIRBANKS, Alaska -- Keven Campbell scored a put-back with
1:36 remaining and made a crucial free throw in the final seconds
as Division II Alaska defeated Oregon State 62-60 on Saturday in
the consolation round of the BP Top of the World Classic.
The Beavers' Marcel Jones, who led both teams with 23 points,
missed a 3-point attempt at the buzzer that would have given Oregon
State (0-2) the victory.
Oregon State jumped out to a 6-0 advantage and led through most
of the first half. The Nanooks (3-1) tied the game at 22 when Kevin
Atkins scored from beneath the basket with 2:45 remaining but the
Beavers led 26-23 at halftime.
Oregon State pushed its lead to eight points in the second half
but couldn't shake tournament host Alaska.
A pair of free throws by Campbell with 5:20 remaining tied the
score at 53. Alaska went ahead for good when Colin Matteson drove
to the hoop, drew a foul and scored two free throws with 4:42
remaining.
Mladen Begojevic, who led the Nanooks with 17 points, hit one
foul shot with 14.9 seconds left to put Alaska up 61-57. Oregon
State's Josh Tarver answered with a 3-pointer with 7 seconds
remaining to cut the lead to 1. Rickey Claitt fouled Campbell on
the next play and he connected on one of two from the line before
Jones' miss from the wing at the buzzer.
Alaska forced 21 Oregon State turnovers and came up with 10
steals.