Lyon scores upset at Grambling State

Riley Jenkins hit a game-winning three-pointer with 3.3 seconds remaining as Lyon College upset NCAA Division I Grambling State 55-54 Saturday night at the Fred Hobdy Assembly Center in Grambling, La.

The victory, which was an exhibition for Lyon College and does not count in the season statistics or record, was important for the Scots, who play in the NAIA’s American Midwest Conference.

“I’m so proud of these guys right now, I just can’t explain it,” first-year Lyon Coach Chad Tapp said. “We had a lot of challenges this season and tonight, and every player that went in the game [against Grambling] responded and just wouldn’t quit. I talk to them all the time about finishing, and they came through and did it tonight.

“I think this kind of win will go a long way to making us a better team. That’s what it’s all about. I’m not saying, by any means, that we are where we want to be, but this game shows we’re making strides to get there.”

The Scots (2-8) were coming off a 88-64 loss Thursday night to Philander Smith College. But despite falling behind by as many as five points in the first half, and trailing 47-37 with 7:34 remaining, Lyon continued to battle back before taking its only lead of the second half when Devonte Young drove the length of the court and then drew the defense into the paint, before kicking the ball out to Jenkins for the game winner.

After a Grambling timeout, the Tigers (1-6) threw the ball three-quarters of the length of the court to their free throw line, where Ben Worlow knocked the ball out of bounds. However, despite the fact that no player appeared to have touched the ball, the clock had run out. The officials gathered at midcourt and discussed the play and gave Grambling 2.3 seconds and the ball on the sideline at the three-point line.

After another Grambling timeout, Young knocked away the inbounds pass and Jordan Layrock came up with the loose ball as the buzzer went off.

Layrock led Lyon with 17 points and eight rebounds.

Grambling (1-6), of the Southwestern Athletic Conference, was led by Terry Rose’s 14 points.