JERSEY CITY, N.J. (Interstat) — In a game decided in the final second, Saint Peter’s escaped with a 68-66 victory over Massachusetts-Lowell in a non-conference men’s basketball thriller on Saturday at a sparsely populated Yanitelli Center.

The game, played before an announced crowd of 553, was a back-and-forth affair that saw the Peacocks build a first-half lead, only for the River Hawks to claw back and set up a dramatic finish. The contest was ultimately sealed at the free-throw line in the waning moments.

Saint Peter’s led 36-31 at halftime, but Massachusetts-Lowell emerged from the break with renewed energy. The River Hawks chipped away at the deficit throughout the second half, fueled by the interior scoring of Austin Green and JJ Massaquoi.

With just 26 seconds remaining and the game tied, Saint Peter’s guard Brent Bland was fouled on a drive to the basket. He calmly sank both free throws to put the Peacocks ahead 68-66.

Massachusetts-Lowell had two final opportunities to tie or win the game. On the ensuing possession, Darrel Yepdo’s driving layup was blocked by J’Quan Ewing, but the River Hawks retained possession. With one second left, Khalil Farmer was fouled on a three-point attempt, sending him to the line for three shots with a chance to win the game. Farmer made the second free throw but missed the third, and Saint Peter’s secured the rebound as time expired to secure the narrow victory.

Austin Green was a force for the River Hawks, recording a double-double with 19 points and 10 rebounds. His efficiency around the basket and work on the glass kept Massachusetts-Lowell competitive throughout the night. Teammate JJ Massaquoi provided a significant offensive spark off the bench, scoring 18 points in just 24 minutes of action. Shawn Simmons added eight points, seven rebounds and three blocked shots, anchoring the defense.

For Saint Peter’s, the backcourt duo of Brent Bland and TJ Robinson carried the scoring load. Robinson led all scorers with 15 points, while Bland added 13 points, five rebounds and was instrumental in the final minute. Forward Bol Agu provided a key contribution with 10 points, including a crucial three-pointer in the second half.

The game was characterized by sloppy play, as the teams combined for numerous turnovers. Saint Peter’s capitalized on several Massachusetts-Lowell miscues to generate easy baskets in transition, which proved critical in building their first-half advantage.

The loss drops Massachusetts-Lowell to 1-6 on the young season as they continue a difficult opening stretch against a series of tough opponents. The River Hawks will look to get back on track in their next game.

Saint Peter’s improves to 2-3 with the victory, providing a positive result before Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference play begins later in the season. The Peacocks were projected as slight favorites to win the contest by advanced statistical metrics.

Both teams return to action on November 29. Massachusetts-Lowell will travel to face Long Island, while Saint Peter’s will host Dartmouth.