MILWAUKEE (Interstat) — In a game defined by offensive efficiency and dramatic swings, the Milwaukee Panthers edged the South Dakota State Jackrabbits 88-87 in a non-conference men’s basketball thriller Friday night at Fiserv Forum.

The contest, which saw 15 lead changes and neither team lead by more than six points, was ultimately decided at the free-throw line in the final seconds. With the score tied at 86 and 5 seconds remaining, Milwaukee’s Josh Dixon was fouled and calmly sank both free throws to put the Panthers ahead for good.

South Dakota State had one final chance, inbounding the ball with 2 seconds left. Kalen Garry found Jaden Jackson for a desperation 3-pointer from the wing, but the shot rimmed out as time expired, sealing the one-point victory for the home team.

The game was a showcase of offensive execution, with both teams posting exceptionally high efficiency ratings. Milwaukee scored its 88 points on just 66 possessions, an offensive rating of 133.1, while South Dakota State was nearly as potent, posting a 124.1 rating with 87 points on 70 trips. The combined 175 points sailed over the pregame over/under line of 152.5.

The first half set the tone for a back-and-forth battle, with Milwaukee taking a narrow 39-38 lead into the break. The second half was an offensive clinic, with each team pouring in 49 points. The Panthers’ ability to capitalize on second chances proved critical, as they grabbed 19 offensive rebounds leading to 19 second-chance points, compared to 11 offensive boards for the Jackrabbits.

Individual performances highlighted the night. Milwaukee’ backcourt duo of Josh Dixon and Amar Augillard combined for 47 points. Dixon, a guard from Charlotte, North Carolina, led all scorers with 24 points and added 4 assists, including the game-deciding free throws. Augillard, from Zion, Illinois, provided a massive spark off the bench with 23 points on 8-of-15 shooting, including three 3-pointers. Forward Danilo Jovanovich, a Milwaukee native, added 17 points and was a force on the glass.

South Dakota State was led by the stellar play of Jaden Jackson and Kalen Garry. Jackson, a guard from Bellevue, Nebraska, scored 23 points and dished out 5 assists. Garry, from De Smet, South Dakota, filled the stat sheet with 18 points, 8 assists, and a key block in 38 minutes of action. The Jackrabbits also received a significant interior contribution from Damon Wilkinson, who scored 18 points on 8-of-10 shooting in just 16 minutes off the bench.

The most pivotal sequence occurred in the game’s final 30 seconds. Trailing 86-84, South Dakota State’s Jackson drove and scored a tough layup with 17 seconds left to tie the game. Milwaukee called timeout and advanced the ball. On the ensuing inbounds play, Dixon drove hard into the lane and drew a foul on Jackson with 5 seconds on the clock. He made both free throws to put Milwaukee up 88-86.

After a South Dakota State timeout, the Jackrabbits’ initial inbound play was disrupted, leading to a second timeout. On the second attempt, Garry’s pass found Jackson for a clean look from beyond the arc, but the shot was off the mark.

With the win, Milwaukee improves to 5-6 on the season, while South Dakota State falls to an even 7-7. The Panthers will look to build momentum as they open Horizon League play at Cleveland State on Sunday. The Jackrabbits continue a tough road stretch, next facing Arizona on Dec. 29.