The Wildcats fell just seconds short of upsetting 10th-ranked Midwestern State, who scored as time expired to escape with a 78-77 victory Saturday.

Eddie Thompson hit a 3-point shot with 2.8 seconds left in the game to give the Wildcats a 1-point lead. The ensuing inbounds pass was deflected out of bounds, leaving two seconds left on the clock. MSU had one last chance and put up a shot that missed but was tipped in by the Mustangs as time ran out.

Head Coach Jason Copeland said he thought the team did a lot of things right and had a good chance to win the game.

“We had 25 turnovers that we overcame, and if we box out and get that last rebound, it is a big win for our program,” Copeland said.

The Wildcats have dropped their last five games and stand at 7-13 overall and 0-5 in conference. MSU improved to 19-1 overall and 4-1 in conference.

The game saw nine lead changes; ACU had an 11-point lead at one point. Thompson led all scorers with 26 points. He shot six of seven from behind the 3-point line, just two away from the school record.

The Wildcats played solid defense and out-rebounded the Mustangs. However, ACU committed 25 turnovers that led to 26 points for MSU.

Giordan Cole recorded a double-double, scoring 12 points and grabbing 11 rebounds. Dustin Heiman and Kevin White were also in double digits for the Wildcats, scoring 10 and 13, respectively.

Riley Lambert led the team in assists with four. He said the tough loss had some positive aspects.

“It just let us know that even though our record is not flashy, we can play with anybody,” Lambert said. “It showed us that, throughout the game, every little box out and free throw really matters, whether it is early or late.”