By Jim Richards

Dave Cuen’s tip in off a Freddie Franco missed lay up at the buzzer lifted No.9-ranked South Mountain Community College to a 66-65 victory over visiting Mesa Community College Wednesday night.

The victory pulled the Cougars into a third-place tie with Mesa at 8-3 in the overall race for the lead in the ACCAC, behind Arizona Western (10-1) and Eastern Arizona (9-2). Both teams also won Wednesday night.

The Cougars retained a four-game lead over Phoenix College (4-7) which defeated Scottsdale Wednesday night.

Mesa battled back from an 11-point, second-half deficit and took a 65-64 lead after Jessie Childs hit a pair of free throws with 5.2 seconds remaining.

After a timeout, Franco drove three-quarters of the court to the left side and missed a layup, but Cuen was there for the follow-up. Mesa players and coaches heavily disputed the call, claiming Cuen’s tip-in came well after the buzzer sounded.

The Cougars begin the second half of the ACCAC regular-season schedule Saturday night at Glendale.