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Fast finish gives Barton Div. II title

From the Associated Press

Anthony Atkinson scored 10 points during the final 45 seconds, including a layup at the buzzer, to give Barton, N.C., its first NCAA Division II title with a 77-75 victory over defending champion Winona State, Minn., at Springfield, Mass.

The Bulldogs (31-5) ended Winona’s two-year, 57-game winning streak -- the longest in Division II history -- and survived a review of the final play by the officials.

The Warriors (35-1) appeared poised to repeat as champion when Zac Malvik made two free throws to give them a 74-67 lead with 45 seconds left.

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Consecutive baskets by Atkinson made it 74-71, then Jonte Flowers made a free throw to give Winona a 75-71 lead.

Atkinson, who finished with 29 points, scored with 19.4 seconds left, then stole the inbounds pass and scored to tie it at 75-75 with 11 seconds left. He then forced a turnover, raced down the court and made the winning basket.

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A University of North Carolina student who suits up as the school’s Ram mascot remained in critical condition in Fort Lee, N.J., after being hit by a car near his hotel Friday afternoon.

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Fort Lee police said Jayson K. Ray was returning to the Fort Lee Hilton after a trip to a convenience store and was walking on the shoulder of state Route 4 when he was struck.

The driver of the sport utility vehicle was not charged. Police say he immediately got out of his car to help Ray.

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