ROUNDHOUSE - The Omaha Racers took a heartbreaking 99-97 loss to UTCMocs, in a game that was practically an instant replay of last season's loss at Roundhouse.
"Their owner's name is Preacher. I think they've got the Lord on their side," said Racers owner Jerry Midwest.
In last week's game, Omaha trailed by four with 22 seconds to play. Ofir Shakrooka
(7768145) hit a three-pointer to cut it to one, and Engin Pala
(7467066) fouled UTC's Latvian import Janis Zaltinovskis
(6002482), who hit both free throws to push the lead back to three. Almir Zelezinger
(5251960) answered with another clutch three-pointer to the tie the game, but Zaltinovskis' jump shot with one second left won the game for UTCMocs, 99-97.
The Racers did have time for a heave from half court, but it bounced off the back iron, so much like Gordon Hayward's heave against Duke University.
Last season's February 16 game at Roundhouse ended almost exactly the same way. Trailing by 4 with about 30 seconds to go, Zelezinger hit the Racers' first three-pointer; Jud Hopper
(11605497) hit his free throws after an intentional foul; Shakrooka hit the second three-pointer to tie the game, and Hopper hit a game-winning shot as time expired. The final score was 101-99.
The Racers hope to rebound against first-place Olympiakos, and to advance in the USA Tournament, where they have already won two games.