Davis banks in 3 at buzzer, Charlotte upends OK State 66-64

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) - Jon Davis banked in a 3-pointer from the top of the key with 0.6 left on the clock and the Charlotte 49ers overcame a 24-point second half deficit to beat Oklahoma State 66-64 on Saturday.

Davis led the 49ers with 27 points, including five of those in the final 4.2 seconds after the Cowboys were called for a flagrant foul while trying to foul the 49ers instead of allowing a potential game-tying 3-pointer.

Malik Martin had 13 points and Dravon Mangum had 12 as Ron Sanchez earned his first win as head coach of the 49ers (1-1).

Oklahoma State was led by 17 points from Cameron McGriff, who made six clutch free throws down the stretch. Thomas Dziagwa scored 15 points on five 3-pointers. Lindy Waters had 15 points and Isaac Likekele added 13 for the Cowboys (0-1).

The Cowboys seemed to have the game in hand when McGriff's two free throws put them up by three with 7 seconds left. But officials ruled that the Cowboys had been called for an intentional foul.

Davis made both free throws to cut the lead to one and then buried the improbable jumper off the glass. He raced down the length of the court pumping his fist.

Oklahoma State forced 18 turnovers in the first 30 minutes before Charlotte settled down. The Cowboys went cold down the stretch missing 11 of their last 12 shots.

BIG PICTURE

Oklahoma State: Losing a 24-point lead is never good for a team's confidence and that is something that may cause issues for the Cowboys in close games down the stretch. They seemed to relax after building a big lead.

Charlotte: The 49ers had 18 turnovers in the first 30 minutes before settling down. They showed incredible heart coming back from 24 down to win. Freshman Cooper Robb didn't put up big numbers, but made some key plays for the 49ers. It's a big win for Sanchez, who was hired away from Virginia.

UP NEXT

Oklahoma State: Hosts Texas-San Antonio on Wednesday.

Charlotte: Hosts James Madison on Friday.

Associated Press