Jack Forrest '19 had 19 points in the Aces' win.

Terrell Jones ’17 hit Jack Forrest ’19 in stride off a sideline inbounds for a driving layup just before the buzzer to give the Aces a thrilling 61-59 victory at Shipley.

With the win, LM opens the season 2-0 for the first time since 2009.

The Aces led for much of the contest, jumping to a 15-6 advantage thanks in part to a sparkling first quarter from Steve Payne ’19. The crafty guard nailed a three and hit two layups in the frame, setting the stage for a career-high 12 points.

LM took a 34-23 lead into halftime and extended the margin to as many as 17 points in the third quarter, before the Gators mounted a furious charge in the final frame.

Up eight with four minutes to play, LM watched their lead evaporate thanks to the strong play of Shipley’s star point guard Sam Sessoms. Four clutch Theo Henry ’19 free throws stopped the bleeding and a thunderous and-one dunk by Forrest with less than 20 seconds to play gave the Aces a five-point advantage. But the Gators would not be denied, a three-ball and layup knotted the game at 59 before Jones and Forrest went to work on the Aces’ final possession.

Forrest led LM with a career-high 19 points. Jones finished with 17 points and 7 assists. Josh Martin ’19 notched his first varsity points. The Aces shot 6-7 from the line in the fourth quarter.

Up next for LM is the Central League opener on Tuesday night at Marple Newtown. Gametime is 7 PM.