News Release

OLD WESTBURY, N.Y. — Divine Jackson’s buzzer-beating three-pointer forced overtime and Ian Johnson’s late free throws sealed the win, as Old Westbury topped Steven’s 66-64 in Skyline Conference men’s basketball action this afternoon. Old Westbury improves to 9-8 overall and 3-4 in the league, while Stevens falls to 10-8 overall and 5-4 in the conference.

After drawing a foul with just over two seconds on the clock and the game tied at 64, Johnson sank two free throws to give Old Westbury a 66-64 edge. Stevens in bounded the ball to Virgil Gray, who had broken free in the paint, Gray put up a lay-up, but Jackson rejected the shot, sending the ball flying out of bounds as time expired, lifting the Panthers to the win.

After the Ducks took a three-point lead with two free throws in the overtime period, Ramel Phillips sank a three-pointer with 49 seconds on the clock to tie the game at 64. After a missed three-pointer by Stevens, Johnson was fouled.

Virgil Gray’s three-pointer with seven seconds remaining in regulation appeared to be the game-winner, but the Panthers rushed down the floor and Michael Garrett dished the ball to Jackson, whose three-pointer sailed through the net as the buzzer sounded and forced the overtime period.

Stevens led by as many as eight in the second half. Old Westbury began to close in midway through the period, and, keyed by 10 points from Russell Brereton, took a 47-46 lead on a jumper by Garrett with 4:26 to play.

In the first half, Stevens led by seven with 3:30 to play, but the Panthers responded, outscoring the Ducks 6-2 over the final three minutes to cut Stevens' lead to 27-24 at the half.

Brereton finished with 19 points to lead the Panthers, while Jackson chipped in 17 and Derek DeLoney added 11. Tim Williams led Stevens with 19 points and 14 rebounds.

Old Westbury returns to Skyline Conference action on Monday at Farmingdale State. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:00 pm.