OUAZ held a 38–34 advantage at halftime and maintained control for much of the second half, but the Redhawks mounted a late push to set up a dramatic finish. Benedictine Mesa led by as many as seven midway through the final period before the Spirit responded with timely baskets and defensive stops to swing the momentum back in their favor.

With the game tightening in the final minutes, Carter Gittens sparked the rally with back-to-back baskets to cut the deficit, and the Spirit continued to chip away at the line. After trading free throws down the stretch, Jerry Johnson delivered the biggest play of the night, driving for a go-ahead layup with 24 seconds remaining to put OUAZ in front 77–75. A defensive stop on the ensuing possession and a late free throw from Tyran Simpson sealed the upset victory as the Redhawks' final three-point attempt missed in the closing seconds.

Johnson led the Spirit with 15 points off the bench, including the decisive late basket. Max Mkpa recorded a strong all-around performance with 14 points, eight assists, and seven rebounds, while Zeke Viuhkola added 14 points behind four made three-pointers. Hunter Richardson contributed 12 points and four assists, and Simpson finished with 11 points and six rebounds.

OUAZ shot an efficient 50.9 percent from the field and knocked down 10 three-pointers, while the bench contributed 25 points in the win.

The Spirit will return to action on the road February 19, traveling to face Embry-Riddle with tipoff scheduled for 7:30 p.m.