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WATCH: WWU men’s basketball makes SportsCenter Top 10

D’Angelo Minnis’ half-court heave lands Vikings the top spot

Western Washington University sophomore guard, D’Angelo Minnis, dribbles the ball down the court during a conference matchup with Montana State University in Billings, Mont., on Thursday, Feb. 17, 2022. Minnis hit the game-winner in overtime which ended up on ESPN. // Courtesy of Kyle Cajero/MSUB Athletics

In an overtime thriller, Western Washington University sophomore guard D’Angelo Minnis knocked down a half-court buzzer-beater to beat the Montana State University Billings Yellowjackets on Feb. 17.

The shot quickly made its way across social media and within a few hours ended up as the number one play on ESPN’s internationally broadcasted SportsCenter Top 10 list.

With 11 seconds left in overtime, Minnis knocked down a three-pointer which brought the Vikings within two points of the Yellowjackets.

With the full-court press on, MSUB inbounded the ball to senior guard Brent Finn. He was met immediately by a diving Western junior guard, Daniel Hornbuckle, who forced a jump ball. Hornbuckle led the Viking's defense, which forced 20 turnovers, with five steals of his own.

With the possession arrow favoring the Vikings, Western had a chance to tie it up. Western junior forward Jalen Green received the inbound. After not being able to shake his defender, Green sank a midrange turnaround jumper, tying the game 80-80 with two seconds left.

MSUB junior forward Bilal Shabazz threw a Hail Mary across half-court toward freshman Nicholas Sebastio, but the 6-foot-8 Green picked off the pass.

Green shoveled the rock to Minnis who banked in an iconic half-court prayer, lifting the Vikings up 83-80 as time expired.

Minnis shot 40% on the floor, posting 19 points including the game-winner.

The Vikings close out the rest of their season with three games on the road. They will next face off against Seattle Pacific University on Saturday, Feb. 19 at 7 p.m.


Finn Wendt

Finn Wendt (he/him) is a sports and recreation reporter at The Front. He is pursuing a degree in visual journalism with a minor in sociology. Outside of journalism, he enjoys photography, eating and hiking. You can reach him at finn.thefront@gmail.com or finnwendt.com


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