A jumper by Nick Russell with 8.3 seconds to go was the difference as Southern Methodist (6-1) escaped with a 62-61 win over Missouri State in the third-place game of the Hoops for Hope Classic in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.  The Bears (2-4) took a 61-60 lead briefly on a 3-pointer by Marcus Marshall with 16.6 seconds left before Mustangs’ coach Larry Brown called a timeout to set up the winning play. Russell, who finished with a game-high 25 points,knocked down a short jumper.

The Bears rushed down the court, but Marshall’s three from the left wing was blocked. No foul call was made as time expired on Marshall’s shot.  Anthony Downing had 20 points and a game-high 8 rebounds for Missouri State, while Marshall finished with 18, and Christian Kirk scored 8.

The Bears return home on Saturday afternoon at 4:35 to take on Oral Roberts in non-conference play.