RIVER FOREST, Ill. (November 29, 2006) -- A steal and a slam dunk by Mike Haiduc with eight seconds remaining in regulation helped seal a Dominican University victory over visiting Edgewood College, 61-59, in Northern Athletics Conference men’s basketball action Wednesday night.

Playing in his first game this season because of an injury, the 6-foot-7 Haiduc scored 30 points on 15-of-20 shooting from the field and Jose Garcia came off the bench to knock down three three-point baskets to account for most of the Stars’ scoring.

Dominican extended its lead to 11 points in the second half before a pair of Charlie Averkamp (New Berlin, Wis.) three-pointers helped claw the Eagles back into contention, the latter basket giving Edgewood College its first lead of the game, 53-51, with eight minutes remaining.

Averkamp, who scored 14 of his team-high 17 points in the second half, scored again to give Edgewood College a four-point advantage at the six minute mark, but the Eagles struggled down the stretch missing their next three field goal attempts and committing six turnovers in their ensuing possessions.

Chris DeMarco (Appleton, Wis.) finished with 14 points. DeMarco went to the foul line after his made basket to tied the game at 59-59 with 1:20 left on the clock, but he missed the free throw attempt and, in the closing seconds following an Eagles timeout, had an inbound pass intercepted by Haiduc who raced downcourt for the go-ahead basket.

Edgewood College now drops to 1-3 overall and an even 1-1 in the NAC. Meanwhile, the Stars improve to 2-2 by winning their NAC opener.

The Eagles eagerly return home where they will prepare for their next league opponent, Marian College, which makes the trip to the Edgedome for a 7:15 p.m. contest on Wednesday, Dec. 6.