PLATTSBURGH, N.Y. - Steve Thomas rebounded a missed three by teammate Chris Ruiz and hit a layup as the buzzer sounded to give the Plattsburgh State men's basketball team an 88-86 victory over visiting State University of New York Athletic Conference Buffalo State. The Cardinals were mere fractions of a second away from going into overtime against the Bengal, which is exactly where they were when they fell earlier in the season in Buffalo, 87-90.

Plattsburgh now holds a 13-7 record for the season, 8-5 in the SUNYAC. Buffalo State is 8-11 overall, 6-7 in conference play.

Buffalo State actually held the lead throughout the entire first half, with the Cardinals tying the game up three times but never pulling ahead. Entering the half, the score stood at 45-43 in favor of the Bengals.

The second half started off much like the first, with Farris Thomas tying the game at 45 within the first minute of play and Buffalo State pulling ahead and retaking the lead until there were under five minutes left in regulation.

Plattsburgh finally took its first lead of the game (80-78) with 4:28 left on the clock thanks to a layup from Farris Thomas. He was assisted on the shot by Ketema Brooks. The Bengals tied the game up just 27 second later and then pulled ahead once more (82-81) with two and half minutes to go.

Each team took a turn at the lead before Glenroy Carr tied the game at 86 with six seconds left. Carr successfully hit two free-throw shots after being fouled by Ruiz. Steve Thomas's heroics mid-air just five seconds later saved the game for the Cards and had fans in Memorial rushing the court in celebration.

Plattsburgh travels to Oswego next Friday to take on the Lakers. Game-time is set for 8 p.m.

Thomas basket featured in d3hoops.com Buzzer Beater section!