Strus’ game-winner rivaled by college basketball buzzer-beater

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Max Strus (1). David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

Max Strus’ wild game-winner rivaled by incredible college basketball buzzer-beater

By Jeff Smith | Last updated 2/28/24

If the chaotic and wild ending to the Cleveland Cavaliers' 121-119 victory over the Dallas Mavericks wasn't enough drama for one night, the surreal moment had a bit of competition.

This came in the form of a college basketball matchup in the Mountain West that left plenty of jaws on the floor.

The 22-6 Nevada Wolf Pack were on the road as underdogs facing the 20-8 Colorado State Rams in a game with major conference tournament implications.

Nevada entered the game with a 9-5 mark in conference play, while Colorado State was 8-7, and both teams sat in a logjam from the middle to the top of the Mountain West.

Then this happened.

JAROD LUCAS OFF THE GLASS FROM HALF COURT TO WIN IT FOR NEVADA (+240 ML) ✅pic.twitter.com/tjAO9p5p8q
— Action Network (@ActionNetworkHQ) February 28, 2024

The game looked poised to go to overtime, but a wild sideline heave over a defender by Nevada guard Jarod Lucas gave his team an improbable walk-off victory as he banked in the half-court 3-pointer.

The victory meant the Wolfpack are within one game of a tie atop the conference between Utah State and Boise State, who are both 11-4, and just a half-game back of San Diego State, who sits at 11-5.

But the loss for Colorado State may be more impactful, as the Rams fell to No. 7 in the Mountain West, ahead of only the conference's four sub-500 teams in Wyoming (6-9 in conference play), Fresno State (4-11), Air Force (2-13) and San Jose State (2-14).

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