SAN MARCOS, Texas -- Kevin Hervey was calmly facing a defender as the final seconds were ticking away in a tied game, quickly shifted right to open some space and launched a deep 3-pointer that swished through the net as the buzzer sounded, lifting UT Arlington to an 85-82 victory over in-state rival Texas State Friday night.

The game-winning shot was a first for Hervey. He scored 22 points as did Erick Neal and UT Arlington (19-2, 10-8 Sun Belt Conference) kept alive its hopes to finish in the top four for next week's Sun Belt tournament in New Orleans.

The Mustangs made only eight 3-pointers and Hervey had four of them, along with seven rebounds and five steals. Neal hit three 3s. Johnny Hamilton scored 15 points with 11 rebounds

A Hamilton dunk extended the UT Arlington lead to seven points with 46 seconds left. Texas State dug in and tied the game, 82-82, with 17 seconds left when Tre Nottingham hit his second 3-pointer in 29 seconds.

Nijal Pearson led the Bobcats (14-17, 7-11) with a career best 31 points.