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FAIRBANKS, Alaska (AP) -- Nick Dials hit a 12-foot jump shot with 3.9 seconds remaining and Akron nipped Tennessee State 74-72 on Sunday for third place game in the BP Top of the World Classic. LaDarious Weaver's 3-point attempt at the buzzer hit the rim but bounced out. Tennessee State (2-3) played from behind most of the game. The Tigers took their only lead of the game in the first half when Jerrell Houston intercepted a Zips' pass, drove the length of the court and dunked to make it 22-20 with 5:38 remaining. Akron responded with 11 unanswered points, including a pair of 3-pointers from Steve McNees, pushing the score to 31-22. Akron led at intermission 38-28. Akron allowed Tennessee State to claw back in the second half. With three minutes remaining, the Zips missed five straight free throws. The Tigers' Bruce Price hit one of two free throws with 1:36 remaining, closing Akron's lead to 71-70. After an Akron free throw, Price stole the ball, drove down the court and scored with 1:17 remaining to tie the game at 72-72. Dials drove and pulled up on the right wing for his winning shot. Jeremiah Wood led the Zips with 17 points, eight rebounds and four steals. Dials added 13 points, and 6 assists. Houston led all players with 20 points and nine rebounds.
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