WAUKESHA, Wis. - When his team needed a big basket, Tanner Zaeske stepped up to the pressure-packed challenge and seized the moment.
Zaeske, a 6-foot-3 senior guard/forward from South Milwaukee, Wis., nailed a dramatic 3-point basket with .01 second remaining as the Carroll University men's basketball team defeated Concordia University of Wisconsin 60-58 in the opening round of its own four-team Pioneer Tip-off Classic at Van Male Field House on Friday evening.
The Pioneers will face Bethel University in the championship game at 4 p.m. today. Bethel, 1-0 overall, defeated Simpson 85-70 in the other first-round game.
On the thrilling, game-winning sequence with time winding down in regulation, senior guard/forward Joel Heesch (Mauston, Wis.) made a critical steal off a baseline inbound attempt  by Concordia, immediately took control of the ball  and abruptly delivered a quick crossing pass to a wide-open Zaeske.
Zaeske, who established position near the top-left portion of the perimeter, caught the pass and launched a high arcing long-range shot that swished through the hoop.
Zaeske, a fourth-year starter who finished with 11 points and five rebounds in playing 31 minutes, converted two of his three momentum-building 3-pointers within the final three minutes.
"It felt good the minute the ball left my hand," said a smiling Zaeske, of the fist-pumping game-winner that set off an instant celebration. "Everything happened really fast at the end so it was unreal to see the pass come my way and get the opportunity to finish with such a big shot.
"After making the pass to Kyle (Keranen) for the winning shot in our victory at North Park last year, it was awesome to be on the other side of things this time. It all started by playing strong defense and forcing the turnover at the end. That's when everything came together. With a ton of friends and family in the stands, it was special to be able to step up under the pressure and come away with a great victory to start the season."
It was a resilient, gritty, come-from behind performance for the Pioneers, who erased a 14-4 first-half deficit by responding with a 17-0 run over a crucial eight-minute stretch - powered on seven points by Heesch along with four points each from junior point guard Ben Widdes  (Rice Lake, Wis.) and junior guard Ray Pierce (Milwaukee, Wis.).
"Our seniors stepped up with the game on the line and took control of the situation," said Carroll fifth-year head coach Paul Combs, beginning his 19th season at the collegiate level. "It all started with Heesch's defensive effort and ability to make the pass over to the open man on the perimeter. That's when Tanner had the guts to take the shot and finished it off in a big way. Everyone will be talking about the shot and rightfully so because it ended an exciting battle between two hard-working teams. 
"Through my eyes, the real turning point came in the first half when we were down and responded with a huge run to take the lead. That was the difference. To their credit, Concordia played a great game, battled each step of the way and didn't show any fear in the way they competed tonight. It was one of those playoff type games that came down to the last possession and fortunately we made the big play at the end. Our fans were terrific from beginning to end and really picked us up when we struggled at times. It was just great to see the guys rise to the occasion and get a victory on our home court to start the season."
Widdes contributed a team-leading 12 points, four rebounds, three assists and three steals for Carroll, which made 8 of 11 free throws and shot 42 percent from field-goal range.
Heesch, who missed all but four games last year as the result of an injury, made a triumphant return to the court by contributing nine points, seven rebounds, four assists and three steals for the Pioneers, who forced 18 turnovers.
Junior forward Tyler Ingebrigtsen (Elk Grove Village, Ill.) chipped in nine points, Pierce had eight points and sophomore guard Nick Penny (Lake Zurich, Ill.) added seven points.
Junior guard Jake Jurss scored a game-high 19 points with five 3-pointers for CUW, which made eight 3-pointers and all 10 of its free throws.

PIONEER FAST FACTS
What: The Carroll University men's basketball teamd defeated Concordia University of Wisconsin 60-58 in the opening round of its own four-team Pioneer Tip-off Classic (sponsored by Nicholas Investments) at Van Male Field House on Friday evening.
Scoring Leaders: Ben Widdes (12 points), Tanner Zaeske (11 points), Joel Heesch (9 points), Tyler Ingebrigtsen (9 points), Ray Pierce (8 points), Nick Penny (7 points), Kale Maupin (4 points)
Notable: The Pioneers erased a 14-4 first-half deficit by responding with a 17-0 run over a crucial eight-minute stretch.