Harris hits key 3, Middle Tennessee tops UNC-Asheville 63-61

Nov 28, 2015, 02:46 am

SEATTLE -- Darnell Harris made a 3-pointer with 28 seconds left that pushed Middle Tennessee to a 63-61 victory over UNC-Asheville in the Great Alaska Shootout on Friday night.

After Harris' 3 put the Blue Raiders (3-1) up 63-59, Dylan Smith answered with a jumper for Asheville (2-4) with 22 seconds left. But Middle Tennessee avoided a clock-stopping foul until the final second and escaped after squandering a 19-point, second-half lead.

Middle Tennessee led 51-32 on Perrin Buford's 3-pointer with 12:56 left. The Bulldogs then went on a 23-4 run to get even at 55 but never pulled in front.

Edward Simpson hit a 3 on the next possession to put the Blue Raiders ahead for good with 3:52 to play. Middle Tennessee will face Toledo in the championship on Saturday.

Dylan Smith had 14 points to lead the Bulldogs, who face Loyola-Chicago for third place.