Hardin-Simmons had a chance to win the game in regulation, but Zach Pickelman missed on a short jumper to send the game to overtime tied at 59. UMHB quickly built a five-point lead in the first overtime before HSU fought back to tie the game on James Peters’ three-pointer with 34 seconds left. Brandon Gatlin had a chance to win it but his three-point shot bounced off the front rim as the buzzer sounded to send the game to a second extra session tied at 68. The Crusaders hit 9-11 free throws in the second OT and built the lead to eight points at 82-74 with 11 seconds left. Tanner Kudrna hit a three-pointer with eight seconds left to cut it to 82-77 but the Crusaders ran off the remaining time to end it.
UMHB shot just 39 per cent from the field in the game and just 38 per cent from three-point range. HSU shot 41 per cent from the field and 39 per cent from long-range to keep the game close. UMHB out rebounded the Cowboys 51-41 and forced 15 turnovers while turning the ball over just 11 times.
Michael Blaylock led the Crusaders with 20 points and Adam Wiese added a double-double with 17 points and 13 rebounds. Brandon Gatlin had 11 points for UMHB despite not scoring his first basket until just 2:55 remained in regulation. Zach Pickelman had 18 points and 10 rebounds to lead the Cowboys. Kudrna came off the bench to score 16 points, Calvin Nite had 13 points and seven rebounds before fouling out in overtime and James Peters added 12 points for the Cowboys.
The Crusaders will hit the road for a pair of ASC West Division games next week. The UMHB men will face Howard Payne in a 7:30 PM start Thursday night in Brownwood before taking on two-time defending ASC West champ Sul Ross State in a 3:00 PM tip on Saturday in Alpine.