Andy Gobczynski hit four free throws in the final 28 seconds of the game to lead the host Panthers to a 72-68 come-from-behind win over Tennessee-Martin.

“I was proud of our effort and intensity,” said Bret Campbell, the Skyhawks head coach. “We battled hard, but unfortunately we came out on the short end once again.”

Campbell said the difference in the game was probably the last eight minutes.

“We allowed too much dribble penetration and we allowed them to get to the basket way too easy.”

The Skyhawks enjoyed a nine-point lead, 59-50, with 8:30 to play in the contest, but EIU used an 18-9 run to tie the game at 68-68 with 59 seconds to play. Emanuel Dildy hit a jumper to knot the game. Gobczynski gave the Panthers the lead with 28 seconds to play when he hit the first of his four free throws. He was fouled by the Skyhawks’ Cleve Woodfork.

The Skyhawks had a chance to tie the game at 70-70, but senior Justin Smith’s jumper was blocked by Josh Gomes and Gobczynski came up with the rebound.

Tyler George fouled Gobczynski with five seconds left and Gobczynski hit both free throws to seal the win.

Bobby Catchings led EIU with 22 points. Gobczynski finished the game with seven points.

Sophomore Will Lewis led the Skyhawks with 15 points and six rebounds.

Jared Newson finished the game with 13 points and seven rebounds, while Jason Thompson added 11 points and senior Justin Smith tossed in 10 points.

The Skyhawks closed out their 2004-05 basketball season with a 72-52 setback to host Southeast Missouri State Saturday night in the Show Me Center.

SEMO’s Dainmon Gonner scored a game-high 24 points to lead the Redhawks to the win. Gonner hit 10-of-19 attempts from the field. He also grabbed five rebounds.

The Skyhawks trailed 26-25 at halftime, but raced out in front 31-28 with quick baskets by Cleve Woodfork, Newson and Lewis to open the second half.

SEMO’s Derek Winans hit a jumper with 16:53 to go in the game to even things at 33-33.

SEMO closed out the game with a 16-3 run over the last five minutes.

Newson led the Skyhawk’s scoring with 19 points, while Lewis finished with 18 points. Newson went 6-for-15 from the field and seven-for-seven from the free throw line.

As a team, UTM was perfect at the free throw line on 16 attempts. The Skyhawk men’s team, which losses three seniors to graduation --- Chris Carter, Tyler George and Justin Smith --- finishes the season with a 6-21 won-loss record and a 3-13 worksheet in the Ohio Valley Conference.