TOPEKA — JHX Hoops erased a 14-point deficit Wednesday night to beat Purple Reign 84-80 and force a deciding third game in the alumni series.
The Kansas alumni team trailed by eight when the Elam Ending began at Lee Arena but tied the game at 80 on a Frank Mason III layup and a 3-pointer from Zeke Mayo.
Billy Preston then made a jumper before Mason tipped in his own miss for the winning basket.
“We’ve just got a group of guys that don’t quit,” Mayo said. “It showed tonight on that floor.”
Mason led JHX Hoops with 23 points, while Preston added 18 points and nine rebounds. Mayo finished with 14 points.
Xavier Sneed scored 27 points for the Kansas State alumni, including 20 in the first half. Michael Beasley added 16 points and eight rebounds but was slowed by a leg injury late in the game.
Purple Reign led 47-33 at halftime and took a 75-67 advantage into the Elam Ending. JHX Hoops rallied behind improved defense and timely shooting after trailing for most of the night.
“I think the guys really believed in each other, and we came out with the victory,” Mason said.