BOLIVAR, Mo. - It looked like a heartbreaking loss.
Then it turned into a heartwarming win.
John Burton hit two free throws with :00.3 remaining Saturday afternoon to lift the Lincoln Blue Tigers to a 75-74 victory against the Southwest Baptist Bearcats in MIAA men's basketball action.
The Blue Tigers led 73-64 with 3:05 remaining after a 3-pointer by Maurice Mason. But the Bearcats went on a 10-0 run, capped by a 3-pointer by Cartier Dean at the buzzer to take a one-point advantage. After a review by the officials, it was ruled that shot came with :00.3 remaining, giving the Blue Tigers one more chance.
Burton was then fouled on the ensuing inbound pass. He hit both free throws to give the Blue Tigers a 75-74 lead. They were his first free-throw attempts in the game.
Lincoln then stole the inbound pass to seal the victory.
Burton finished with a game-high 19 points. Mason and Marquise Williams added 16 points each. Williams also pulled down a game-high nine rebounds.
Logan Hovey paced Southwest Baptist (10-8 overall, 4-5 MIAA) with 17 points, Damian Prgomet added 16, while Marlon Alcindor totaled 14.
Lincoln (9-10, 3-7) returns to action Thursday against Fort Hays State at Jason Gym. Game time is 7:30 p.m.
In Saturday's women's game, Southwest Baptist jumped out to a 13-point lead after first quarter on its way to a 79-49 victory against Lincoln.
The Bearcats stretched their advantage to 47-27 at the half and 63-34 after three quarters.
Neither team was strong from the field Saturday. Lincoln shot just 21.4 percent, while Southwest Baptist was at 39.3 percent.
Bre Coleman paced Lincoln with 12 points. Tyler Brown-Henderson and Amber Braxton had seven rebounds each.
Megan Rosenbohn had a game-high 17 points for Southwest Baptist (12-6, 4-5). Caylee Richardson added 12.
Lincoln (3-15, 0-10) is back in action Thursday at home against Fort Hays State. The game will start at 5:30 p.m.