Lyles hits late go-ahead FTs, UMBC tops Nicholls St 89-88

Nov 24, 2017, 10:08 pm

BALTIMORE -- Jairus Lyles made two free throws with 12.6 seconds left and Maryland, Baltimore County held off Nicholls State 89-88 on Friday.

UMBC's Arkel Lamar made 1 of 2 free throws with 41.2 seconds left to pull to 88-87. Nicholls State dribbled down the clock, Kevin Johnson missed a baseline runner and Daniel Regis had an offensive rebound stripped away before fouling Lyles in transition.

After Lyles' makes, Nicholls State called its final timeout after passing midcourt with 7.3 seconds left. The inbound pass was deflected by Lyles, but Lafayette Rutledge was able to get off a final 3-pointer that hit off the rim.

Lyles led UMBC (3-3) with 18 points. Joe Sherburne and K.J. Maura each added 16 points.

Rutledge made 10 of 19 3-pointers for a career-high 30 points to lead Nicholls State (3-3). Kimani Jackson's block with 3:05 left in the game led to Rutledge's 10th 3 for an 84-83 lead. Rutledge's previous best was nine 3-pointers last season against Central Arkansas.