CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Junior forward Jon Kindred (Raleigh, N.C.) scored the last five points for Saint Augustine's College including the game-winning shot at the horn for a 50-49 victory over Lincoln (Pa.) University Tuesday (Feb. 28) in the nightcap game on the first day of the CIAA Tournament. The Falcons (14-13), seeded sixth in the Southern Division, advance to the second round Wednesday where they will face Fayetteville State at 9 p.m.

"We live to fight another day," Kindred said.

Kindred caught a pass and buried a jumper at the top of the key with no time remaining. Once the ball swished through the nets, Kindred ran around the court as his teammates chased him in jubilation. Earlier, Kindred drilled a three-pointer with 39 seconds left to tie the score at 48-48. George Jackson of Lincoln hit one of two free throws to give the Lions a 49-48 lead which set the stage for Kindred's heroics.

"It was an outstanding game," Falcons Head Coach Ken Spencer said. "We hit some big shots. We had a bunch of options and Jon was actually the last option." Kindred scored five of his eight points inside the final minute. He made 3 of 5 shots overall including his first three-pointer of the game at the end.

Junior guard Tyquan Stroman (Poughkeepsie, N.Y.) had the hot hand for the Falcons, scoring 16 points on 7-for-14 shooting. But Stroman fouled out with 1:42 remaining and the Falcons behind 46-45. Ironically, Kindred entered the game to replace Stroman.

Kenny Sharpe made two free throws with 50 seconds left for a 48-45 Lions lead. With Stroman out the game and no other Falcon in double figures, the Lions appeared to have the momentum.

Jon Kindred had other ideas. His trey from the wing tied the score and gave the Falcons new life. He later hit the biggest basket of his two-year career to keep the Falcons’ season alive.

The Falcons get another shot at Fayetteville State, the No. 4 seed in the Southern Division. Both teams split in two meetings during the regular season. The Falcons lost four straight games to end the regular season, but will play another day in the tournament.

“It’s all about surviving and advancing,” Spencer said.

Senior guard Jeremy Banks (Elizabeth City, N.C.) added eight points and seven rebounds and sophomore guard Tyron Laughinghouse (Greenville, N.C.) scored nine points and snatched a team-high nine rebounds. The Falcons shot 44.7 percent, which is their best percentage in 11 games.

Denzel Mooney scored 12 points and Jackson added 10 for the Lions (11-18), the No. 5 seed in the Northern Division, who were stunned by Kindred’s game winner. The Lions shot 35 percent but stayed in the game on three-pointers (5) and free throws (10).

The contest was tight from the outset. As the game progress, it appeared that the outcome would come down to the last shot.

There were 10 lead changes in the first half. The last minute of the opening stanza was a reflection of how quickly momentum changed during the game. Stroman scored on an inside shot with nine seconds left before halftime, but Jackson quickly converted a three-point play after he was left open under the basket with a second remaining. The Lions led at the half 27-25.

Stroman led all first-half scorers with 14 points on 6-for-7 shooting. He single-handedly kept the Falcons in the game with his scoring. As a team, the Falcons made 10-for-20 shots for 50 percent in the opening half. Jackson scored eight points and Derrick Washington added six in the first half for the Lions, who shot 34.5 percent from the floor in the half.