Fan hits half-court shot, misses out on $50,000 jackpot before Missouri Valley final

ST. LOUIS – A fan made a half-court shot before the Missouri Valley Conference tournament final, but missed a $50,000 jackpot because he forgot to hit a 3-pointer first.

Alex Pertmann of Maryland Heights, Mo., made a layup on his first try and free throw on his second effort, then scampered to mid-court, where he hit nothing but net with a couple of seconds left on a 24-second clock Sunday. After being informed of the error, and with no time remaining, Pertmann went back to the 3-point line and missed a couple of attempts.

As a consolation prize, the Valley gave the 22-year-old Pertmann four tickets to the conference tournament for life.

The Valley has held the promotion every season since 2004. Pertmann, who plays intramural basketball at Missouri-St. Louis, was the first to come close to cashing in.