Photo by Chris Drummond SMSU’s Cliff McCray brings the ball up the floor during their game against Concordia-St. Paul on Saturday. SMSU fell to CSP 61-60.

MARSHALL — The Southwest Minnesota State University men’s basketball team hoped to carry over its momentum from Friday’s 81-71 victory against MSU Mankato on Saturday when it faced Concordia-St. Paul, but the Golden Bears had other ideas, as Marcus Skeete connected on a foul-line jumper with two seconds left to give CSP a 61-60 victory on “Tropical Night” in front of a lively crowd at the R/A Facility.

SMSU coach Brad Bigler talked about his team’s energy throughout the game and felt they looked tired after an energetic performance the day before.

“I think overall we looked tired throughout the game,” Bigler said. “I think we had a great performance (Friday) against Minnesota State Mankato and our ability to get to that same level of intensity was tough (Saturday).”

The Mustangs had a slow start as well as 10 turnovers in the opening half, but only trailed by six at halftime, 31-25. SMSU came out firing in the second half and started on a 16-6 run that would give them the lead before the Golden Bears called timeout. Coach Bigler talked about the team’s resiliency shown in the second half.

“I think that’s something this team has shown night in, night out that they truly have each other back,” Bigler said.“We will definitely be tested to see how tough we are going into next week.”

The game became a back-and-forth affair, with both teams trading points over the majority of the second half. Mustangs guard Dunwa Omot scored a team-high 14 points and Kenny Byers scored 10 of his 12 points in the second half. Statistically, both teams mirrored one another, but the one difference was the three-point shooting. The Golden Bears connected on nine threes and the Mustangs only connected on four. In games decided by one possession, the Mustangs are 4-6 on the season.

Skeete, who hit the game-winner, also had a game-high 18 points for CSP.

SMSU (12-9 overall, 8-8 NSIC) will travel next to Fayette, Iowa to play the Upper Iowa Peacocks on Friday night at 7:30 p.m.

Concordia-St. Paul 61, SMSU 60

CSP 31 30 – 61

SMSU 25 35 – 60

Scoring: SMSU (Omot 6-11, 1-2 14; Byers 6-10, 0-0 12; Kramer 3-10, 2-2 11; Phipps 5-8, 0-0 10; McCray 3-4, 0-0 6; Costello 2-3, 1-2 5; Benson 1-1, 0-0 2).

Rebounds: SMSU 28 (Kramer 9; Byers 7).

Assists: SMSU 10 (Byers, Kramer, McCray 3; Phipps 1).

Steals: SMSU 8 (McCray 4).