COMPTON, Calif. (Interstat) — In a frantic finish defined by a controversial sequence and clutch free throws, the Compton men’s basketball team edged Los Angeles Harbor 79-76 in a California Community College Athletic Association game Friday night.

The game’s decisive and most contentious moment came with just five seconds remaining and Compton clinging to a two-point lead. After Deuce Roberts sank two free throws to put the Tartars up 78-76, the Seahawks inbounded the ball. Drew Alexander, who led all scorers with 25 points, launched a potential game-tying 3-pointer as time expired. The shot fell through, but officials ruled it came after the final buzzer, wiping the basket off the scoreboard and sealing Compton’s victory. The dramatic conclusion capped a second half where neither team led by more than eight points.

Compton improved to 9-13 overall, while Los Angeles Harbor fell to 10-11.

The Tartars were propelled by efficient offense, shooting 50.9% from the field and posting an offensive rating of 119.3 points per 100 possessions. Ley McGovern led the way with 20 points and seven rebounds, while Deuce Roberts added 18 points, including the critical late free throws. Keishawn Ross Jr. contributed 11 points and six rebounds.

Despite the loss, Los Angeles Harbor’s Drew Alexander was the standout individual performer, scoring his 25 points on 9-of-17 shooting in just 25 minutes of action. Max Choi added 12 points off the bench for the Seahawks.

The game was a tale of contrasting strengths. Compton’s advantage came inside, outscoring Harbor in the paint and winning the rebounding battle 38-32. The Tartars also protected the rim effectively with four blocks. Harbor, meanwhile, relied on forcing turnovers, committing only six themselves while generating 10 from Compton, leading to a 7-3 edge in steals. The Seahawks also shared the ball better, recording seven assists to Compton’s three, but ultimately could not overcome a 41.0% shooting night from the floor.

The first half set the stage for the tight finish, with Compton taking a narrow 32-30 lead after one quarter before both offenses opened up in a high-scoring second period. The Tartars outscored the Seahawks 47-46 after halftime to secure the three-point margin.

Compton, which entered the game with a 66% probability to win according to Interstat’s ELO system, has now won two of its last three games. Los Angeles Harbor has dropped three consecutive contests.

Compton next plays at Los Angeles Southwest on Wednesday. Los Angeles Harbor travels to face El Camino on the same night. The two teams are scheduled for a rematch at Los Angeles Harbor on Feb. 18.