RUSSELLVILLE, Ark. – It took overtime to get it done, but SWOSU Men's Basketball won its second consecutive conference game on Thursday by edging Arkansas Tech 77-75.
The Bulldogs only had a lead in six of the 45 minutes played in the game and only led by as many as three points on the night, but it did not matter.
SWOSU found themselves down 11 points on the road late in the first half but battled all the way back to grab a lead midway through the second half.
They were milliseconds away from suffering a loss after Tech allegedly scored the go-ahead, game-winning, put-back layup as time expired in regulation. But that did not happen.
After the referees reviewed the play, the basket was waived off and SWOSU got a second life headed into overtime – and they took advantage.
The overtime period featured defense on display, as neither team found a true rhythm offensively. All points scored in overtime were off free throws by both teams, except for a Chriss Braggs, Jr. layup that tied the game up at 73-73 with 3:13 remaining.
From that mark until just 12 seconds on the clock, Tech did not score. The Wonder Boys knocked down two free throws with 12 seconds remaining to get within one point at 76-75 and then had to foul in attempts to extend the game. Tanner Meraz knocked down 1-of-2 on the other end, and Tech could only heave a half court shot to no avail as the buzzer sounded.
In the game, both teams shot 38% overall. SWOSU was 8-for-24 (33%) from deep and Tech was 14-for-36. (39%)
SWOSU got to the free throw line 27 times in the game and knocked down 21 of those for a 78% rate. ATU finished 15-of-22 from the line.
On the boards, the Dawgs slightly edged the opposition 46-41, including 15 offensive rebounds.
Before fouling out, Damion Thornton posted his second consecutive double-double with a team best 25 points and 12 rebounds. Kamden Gipson added 14 points and three assists. Ben Smith chipped in 10.
With the win, SWOSU moved to 4-5 in conference play and will look to get back to .500 when they take on Harding on Saturday at 3 pm in Searcy.
