RUSSELLVILLE, Ark. – Following a game-tying three-pointer from Damion Thornton in the closing seconds of regulation, SWOSU outscored Emporia State 15-6 in overtime to earn an 82-73 victory over the Hornets on Friday night at the GAC / MIAA Challenge.
 
SWOSU was in control of the game the entire second half, building a lead as high as 12 on two occasions. The Bulldogs lead stood at 63-56 with 4:16 to play, but ESU outscored the Dawgs 11-1 over the next four minutes to take a 67-64 lead with 18 seconds remaining. On their final possession of regulation, SWOSU moved the ball around well until it landed in the hands of Thornton at the top of the key. After a pump fake, Thornton let it fly and got a good bounce off the front of the rim that sent the ball through the basket to tie the game.
 
In the extra period, SWOSU caught fire, knocking down 5-of-6 field goal attempts – including all three three-pointers – to pull away and win the game by nine. Anthony Love hit the first three while Marquis Johnson hit two to put the game away for good.
 
SWOSU was balanced offensively with five different players in double figures, led by Thornton with 19 points and Johnson with 15. Love added 13 while the Dawgs other two starters, Bralyn James and Jaylan Williams, had 11 apiece.
 
SWOSU will conclude the GAC / MIAA Challenge on Saturday at 3:00 pm against Fort Hays State.