Albany State edges Shorter with last-second three on New Year’s Eve

ALBANY – Albany State point guard Shakur Poteat sank a clutch three-pointer with two seconds left to lift the Golden Rams to a thrilling 72-69 victory over Shorter University on New Year’s Eve at West Arena.

Albany State held a 32-28 lead at halftime, thanks to a powerful slam dunk from Isiah Cameron just before the break. The Golden Rams extended their lead early in the second half when Poteat and Blaze Wallace each drained three-pointers, pushing the advantage to 47-37 with 15 minutes left to play.

But the Hawks refused to go quietly.

Shorter responded with a nine-point run, narrowing the gap and shifting momentum. Cameron broke Albany State’s scoring drought with a driving layup, but the two teams traded baskets for the remainder of the game, neither able to pull away.

With just 1:24 left, Wallace and Poteat scored back-to-back layups to give the Golden Rams a 69-63 edge. Shorter’s Colton Wilbanks answered with a deep three-pointer, tying the game at 69 with only 18 seconds remaining.

Albany State Head Coach Patrick Gayle called a timeout to set up the final play. Poteat delivered, drilling the game-winning shot in front of the ASU bench as the crowd erupted.

Poteat, a junior from Orlando, led Albany State with 23 points. Wallace added 15 points and 12 rebounds, while Kendale Johnson chipped in 10 points. Jabari Williams contributed nine.

The Golden Rams will host Lane College on Thursday and LeMoyne-Owen on Saturday for conference matchups at West Arena. Thursday’s women’s game tips off at 5:30 p.m., with the men’s game to follow. Saturday’s action starts at 2 p.m. with the women, followed by the men.