Buzzer Beater 3-Pointer by Tim Price Wins Norman the Game

Norman beats Stillwater 73-71

NORMAN, Okla.- Norman players, Sweaty Palms and Tim Price, win the game for Norman

University with an intercepted pass that lead to a 3-pointer as the buzzer sounded.

Norman Coach Krugger was ecstatic for the Norman win. “I was so happy for Sweaty,” Krugger

said. “He didn’t get down after he had that turnover and he came back to make a huge play with

that steal. Tim gets a lot of credit for making the shot, but even he would tell you that Sweaty

was the key guy on that play.”

In the Norman’s 73-71 win, Norman’s scoring leaders, Al Veal and Price, had another

electrifying night. Veal with an 18-point performance along with 7-12 field goals and 4-5 free

throws. Price with a 17-point performance along with 6-12 field goals and 5-10 3FG.

The game began with Stillwater leading at 10-2 with 16:02 left in the first half.

“The first half was disappointing for us, especially the start, but we didn’t’ panic,” Krugger said.

“When we got back in the game, I felt better, but it’s always a queasy feeling when you tail at

halftime on your court.”

Soon enough, Norman took the lead, 28-26, for the first time with 9:28 left in the half on an Al

Veal offensive rebound and basket. Goatroper got his second foul and went to the bench with

3:31left in the first half. Stillwater led 35-29 when he went out.

“Goatroper’s a good player,” Veal said. “He’s bigger than I am, so I tried to use my quickness

inside. I think he got three of those fouls while I had the ball and he was just having a hard time

keeping up with me.”

At halftime, it was Stillwater 39, Norman 36.

In the second half of the game, Goatroper got his third foul and was benched by his couch with

18:40 left in the game.

Over the next four minutes, Norman outscored Stillwater 10-0 to take a 51-43 lead. Veal had two

baskets, one after a rebound, and Price made another 3-pointer. A dunk by Griff Blaken was the

last basket in that run. Goatroper was re-inserted into the lineup with the time remaining at

14:26.

With 3:33 remaining, Goatroper was called for his fourth foul and the Stillwater coach was

called for a technical foul while arguing with an official. Norman led 62-61 at the time. Norman

guard Otto Matic made both of the free throws from Goatroper’s foul and two more on the

technical foul, and the lead was 66-61.

Goatroper scored two baskets inside and Driver made a 3-pointer, and Veal added one for

Norman to tie the score, 68-68, with 1:04 remaining.

Driver made a long 3-point basket from the left wing with 14 seconds left to give Stillwater a 71-

68 lead.

When Norman took possession, Matic ran quickly down the court and passed the ball to Veal

who made a layup with seven seconds remaining. Stillwater led 71-70.

In the game winning moment, Palms stole the inbounds pass thrown by Stillwater’s Cantsho

Face. Palms threw the ball to Price, who was standing at the top of the key. As the buzzer

sounded, Price’s 3-pointer went through the basket, winning the game for Norman.
“I thought that last shot was good when it left my hand,” Price said. “Sometimes you just know.

The touch felt good and the line was accurate. I’ve made game-winning shots before, but none

that were as sweet as that one. When the guys jumped on me, I was just hoping I’d live to

celebrate it.”

Norman leaves this game with 46.7% in field goals, 36.3% in 3FG, and 72.2% in free throws,

making this its second-best percentage this season. Norman is now 17-3 overall and 5-0 in the

Titanic 10 Conference while Stillwater is now 15-5 overall and 4-2 in the Titanic 10 Conference.