By Anthony Heller
SELINSGROVE, Pa.- Susquehanna Men’s Basketball had Howie Rankine Jr. to thank for their victory against Drew on Saturday, as the senior guard capped off a 24-point performance with a wild, one-handed three-pointer at the buzzer that sent O.W. Houts Gymnasium into absolute pandemonium. It’s his second game-winning shot this season, as he also nailed a game-winner to beat Lycoming.
Rankine Jr’s 24 led all scorers, as first-year forward Brandon Lavitt also added 19 in the win. Billy Anderson also added 11 off the bench. Howard McBurnie Jr. had an impressive double-double for Drew, scoring 19 and grabbing 16 rebounds. Andrew Turco also scored 18, making four first-half threes. Mario Haklaj, with 12 and 11 from Michael Kane, rounded out the scorers in double figures.
Jackson van Wagener also posted a career-best six assists, but Quincy Haughton picked up the assist for Rankine Jr.’s dramatic heave.
During half-time, Susquehanna honored five inductees to the Hall of Fame, including announcer Mike Ferlazzo. His contributions to SU have been ongoing for thirty-five years, and during the game, he was presented with his plaque.
The River Hawks looked likely to close the door on Drew when they led 68-63 with three minutes to go, but Papie Roberts made two field goals either side of Michael Kane’s two free throws to give the Rangers a narrow one-point lead at 69-68. Mario Haklaj made it 71-68 with a pair of free throws following a turnover with just nine seconds left.
Rankine was fouled during the in-bounds play following Haklaj’s free throws, and he drained both shots to close the gap to 71-70. Marcus Mitchell intentionally fouled Roberts, who missed the first of his one-and-one opportunity. Haughton pulled down the rebound, and tossed it to Rankine Jr, who, while falling, hit an absurd three-pointer that he lobbed up with his non-dominant left hand. The packed Houts Gym erupted as his circus shot fell through, with several Drew players left speechless as the volume in the arena reached a level rarely seen. Fans, players, and media alike were left wondering what had just happened.