Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ dramatics could not prevail as Lambuth took the first game of the season series with Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ 92-89 in overtime. Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ falls to 9-5 on the year and Lambut improves to 11-6.
Michael Katrosh, the senior point guard for Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ, made a three pointer with just two seconds remaianing in regulation to send the game into overtime tied at 81. Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ led 47-41 at the half and increase their lead to 12 early in the second half. However, foul trouble and second chance points caused the to become a seven point deficit with just minutes remaining. Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ's 70% from the free throw line and clutch three point shooting from Abakwue and Katrosh brought the Bulldogs roaring back. After Katrosh's three went down to tie the game, Katrosh tipped away Lambuth's imbound pass to send the game to overtime. In overtime, Lambuth jumped out to an early seven point lead. Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ pulled to within three and a missed free throw by Lambuth with 10 seconds remaining gave the Bulldogs one last chance to extend the game. A three point shot by Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ's Derrick Underwood rimmed out and Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ's rally fell just short. This marked the second straight time the Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ/Lambuth game at Lambuth to go into overtime. Last season, Lambuth defeated Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ 77-67 in OT.
Leading Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ were three Bulldogs with double-figures led by Chima Abakuw with a game-high 25 points. Michael Katrosh added 18 and Noah poured in 16 points and a team high seven rebounds. Lambuth was paced by four players in double figures led by Taurus Thomas with 22 and A.D. McCreight with 20. Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ shot the ball well all night as they posted 59% from the field, 44% from behind the arc, and 71% from the line. However, clutch shots by Lambuth and key offensive rebounds won in the end.
Âé¶¹ÊÓÆµ plays next on Thurday as the host Berry College at 7:00 p.m in their TranSouth Conference opener.