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PROVO- BYU vs. St. Mary's had all the drama you could possibly want in a college basketball game. Wednesday's game had euphoric highs and devastating lows and that was smashed together in the final three seconds of the game.
With the Cougars and Gaels tied at 67-67, Matt Carlino got the ball into Tyler Haws hands. Haws takes one strong dribble into the lane and with a contorting fade away free-throw jumper, he drills the bucket to give the Cougars a two point lead with 2.5 seconds remaining in the game.
St. Mary's was out of timeouts and quickly in-bounded the ball to senior captain Matthew Dellavedova. All it took was one dribble, two huge steps, and launching a 35 foot double-clutch three pointer that hit nothing but the bottom of the net to give St. Mary's the victory.
It's definitely a special moment I think we'll remember.
–Matthew Dellavedova
Gael's head coach Randy Bennett knows the significance of moment, "You don't get to play in a place like this when it's packed very often. That's a dream for guys when they're growing up. Then to win in this place and to hit a last second shot to win it, it doesn't get any better."
After Haws gave the Cougars the lead, Dellavedova knew there wasn't much time to get up the desperation toss, "Looked up at the clock and we had 2.5 (seconds) left, just tried to get a deep outlet, took two dribbles, and lucky it went in."
Dellavedova is Australian and as luck would have it; his parents are visiting from Australia, sitting on the front row as they witnessed the game-winning shot.
"We're extremely proud." Said mother Leanne.
His father Mark appreciated the incredible game and atmosphere, "BYU played a tough game. Haws hit some tough shots down the stretch, but the Gaels stuck it out. Great job, great venue and one of the best games of basketball I've seen."
The parental presence was a surprise to the senior guard, "I wasn't actually sure if they were going to come. My sisters are back in Moraga, California, so I'm pretty happy that they came and I think that they're happy they came as well."
"It's definitely a special moment I think we'll remember, because I wouldn't be here without them."
An all-time moment for Dellavedova, but the Cougars will have to rebound from the painful loss as they take on San Diego, Saturday at 7:00 p.m. at the Marriott Center.
