Langer’s Buzzer-Beater Stuns Montclair in Overtime Thriller: Livingston Edges Out 55-52 Victory

MONTCLAIR - In a game filled with momentum swings and high-stakes drama, Ben Langer emerged as the hero, sinking a buzzer-beater in overtime to lift Livingston past Montclair, 55-52. The thrilling victory snapped Montclair’s hopes of a late-game comeback and handed the Mounties their third consecutive loss.

Livingston came out strong, controlling the tempo early and building a commanding 13-point lead by halftime. Zach Smith was instrumental in the first half, leading the Lancers with a game-high 18 points. His offensive dominance, combined with Livingston’s stifling defense, kept Montclair on its heels for much of the first two quarters.

However, Montclair refused to go down quietly. The Mounties stormed back in the third quarter, outscoring Livingston with a relentless defensive effort and a spark from La’Mear Singletary, who finished with a team-high 19 points and four steals. Montclair’s energy and hustle allowed them to trim the deficit and eventually take a 42-39 lead heading into the final quarter, setting up an intense back-and-forth battle down the stretch.

As regulation wound down, both teams traded baskets, with neither squad able to pull away. Livingston’s Tyler Katz stepped up in key moments, adding 13 points to keep the Lancers within striking distance. Meanwhile, Montclair’s Martin Quiros contributed 9 points and 6 rebounds, battling in the paint to give the Mounties an inside presence.

With the game tied in the closing seconds of overtime, all eyes turned to Ben Langer. The Lancers executed their final possession to perfection, and Langer, showing ice-cold composure under pressure, delivered the game-winning buzzer-beater to send the Livingston crowd into a frenzy. His clutch shot not only secured the win but cemented his status as the difference-maker in a game that could have gone either way.

For Montclair, the heartbreaking loss drops their record to 3-6 as they look to regroup and shake off their recent struggles. Despite the loss, the Mounties showed resilience, nearly completing an impressive comeback. However, they’ll need to find a way to close out tight games as they continue their season.

Meanwhile, Livingston’s victory adds momentum to their campaign, proving they can handle adversity and thrive in high-pressure moments. With Langer’s heroics and a well-rounded team effort, the Lancers have set the tone for the battles ahead.