The Johnson State College men’s basketball team battled back for a thrilling 66-64 win over the University of Maine at Farmington men’s basketball team on Saturday afternoon at Carter Gymnasium. With the win, the Badgers advance to 6-13 on the year and 6-6 in the North Atlantic Conference (NAC). The Beavers slide to 6-19 on the season and 2-9 in the conference.

Asim Khan led the Badgers offensively, posting 25 points in 30 minutes of play, followed by Benjamin Holl who added 11 points to the Johnson victory.

Eric Berry posted a game high 27 points for the Beavers in the losing effort while senior Nick Hilton contributed 25 points and 11 boards.

Me.-Farmington jumped out to an early lead in the first half going up by as many as 17 points. Johnson used the second half to chip away at the Beavers’ lead. With 2:31 Holl sank two free-throws, followed by two lay-ups from Khan. With the Badgers behind the Beavers 64-62, Rasul Jackson tied things up in the last minute of the game. With the Beavers in possession of the ball charging down the court it looked grim for the hosts, until Rahim Bunch stole the ball, found Demetrius Slade who made a lay-up to end the game as the buzzer sounded. Johnson walked away with a 66-64 win.

Johnson will travel to MMA on Saturday for a 3:00pm tip off while the Beavers will host Green Mountain on Saturday at 3:00pm.