The Buena Vista University men’s basketball team continued its perfect overtime record with its fifth overtime win of the season. This time BVU came up with a victory against Coe College, 84-79, on Saturday evening.
Off of a steal, Andre Wagner hit a three-point shot with 11 seconds left in regulation to put Buena Vista up by one. Coe made one of two from the free throw line to force the extra period.
Buena Vista opened overtime with five quick points. After letting Coe inch within one, Travis Person nailed a three and Buena Vista did not look back the rest of overtime.
Coe held the lead for much of regulation. Buena Vista had a 34-30 halftime advantage, but Coe opened the second half with a 13-2 run. Coe had a commanding 10 point lead with two minutes remaining in regulation but the Beavers turned up their offense and the Kohawks could not make their free throws as the game went into overtime at 69-69.
Ryan Dupic came off the bench to score a career-high 21 points for Buena Vista including some key free throws, making 7-8 from the line. Travis Person had 16 points and eight rebounds. Wagner chipped in 14 points while Brian Fogleman grabbed a team-high nine rebounds before fouling out in overtime.
Mike Kilburg scored a game-high 22 points to lead Coe. Aaron Breitbarth tallied 17 points. Kyle Kuenstling piled up 12 points, 15 rebounds, and six assists.
The Beavers held a 42-37 rebounding advantage over the Kohawks. Buena Vista converted on 19-25 attempts (76.0%) from the free throw line while Coe made only 9-18 (50.0%).
The Buena Vista bench outscored the Coe bench 41-13.
With its 11th straight home win, Buena Vista improves to 3-0 in the Iowa Conference and 8-3 overall. Coe, the preseason favorite to win the league, drops to 2-1 in the conference and 9-3 overall.
The Beavers next game is at Central College on January 9. Tip-off is scheduled for 8:00 p.m.